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Gastric Bypass Surgery Guide

Gastric bypass surgery, also known as stomach reduction surgery, is a surgical method used for obesity treatment. In this surgery, the stomach is reduced and the small intestine is reconnected by skipping a part of it. This way, the amount of food intake is decreased and the absorption of nutrients is restricted.

 

Gastric bypass surgery not only helps with weight loss, but also contributes to the improvement of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc. For those who are considering gastric bypass surgery, we will explain what to do before and after the surgery in this guide. In addition, we will share what to pay attention to before coming to the hospital and after leaving the hospital for those who want to have gastric bypass surgery in Turkey.

Before the Surgery

At least 2 weeks before the surgery, you need to take some precautions to increase the success of the surgery and reduce the risk of complications. These are as follows:

  • Quit smoking. Smoking disrupts blood flow and delays wound healing. It can also cause serious problems such as lung infection, blood clot, heart attack, etc.
  • Stop alcohol consumption. Alcohol impairs liver functions and increases the risk of bleeding. It is also rich in calories and can make you gain weight.
  • Do not drink anything while eating. This expands the stomach and reduces the effectiveness of the surgery. Also, wait at least 30 minutes after eating, then consume liquids.
  • Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine increases stomach acid and can cause ulcer formation. It also causes addiction and can be hard to quit after the surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Your stomach should be empty before the surgery. This is important to prevent anesthesia complications. Also, do not consume solid foods. You can only drink clear liquids.
  • Follow a strict diet. You need to follow a strict diet to start your new healthy lifestyle. This diet is designed to reduce your weight, prevent liver fat accumulation, and facilitate the surgery. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for your diet.
  • Do not use blood thinners. Drugs such as aspirin and its derivatives (Coraspin, Alca-Seltzer, etc.) increase the risk of bleeding and make the surgery unsafe. You should stop these drugs at least 1 week before the surgery. Do not take any other medication without your doctor’s approval.
  • Consult your doctor about your diabetic medications. Diabetic medications can lower your blood sugar and may need to be adjusted to fit your pre-surgery diet. Also, please consult your doctor before stopping any other medications you are taking.
  • Avoid alcoholic and carbonated drinks. These drinks inflate the stomach, cause acid reflux, and discomfort after the surgery. They are also high in calories and can make you gain weight.
  • Consume mainly protein-rich foods at each meal. Protein preserves muscle mass, gives a feeling of fullness, and speeds up wound healing. Prefer animal-based proteins such as meat, eggs, cheese, yogurt, milk, fish, chicken, turkey, etc.
  • Do not use refined sugar. Refined sugar raises your blood sugar, causes insulin resistance, and makes you gain weight. Also, after the surgery, sugary foods can cause a condition called “dumping syndrome”, which causes nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, etc.
  • Avoid drinks and foods that contain added sugar. These foods, in addition to the harms of refined sugar mentioned above, are a source of empty calories and are not nutritious. Stay away from foods such as fruit juice, soda, candy, cake, cookie, ice cream, jam, honey, molasses, etc.
  • Stay away from fried foods and fast food. These foods are rich in fat and make digestion difficult. They are also high in calories and make you gain weight. Do not consume foods such as chicken, potatoes, hamburger, pizza, pastry, raw meatballs, lahmacun, etc.
  • You can take essential vitamin and mineral supplements as your nutrient intake will be restricted. Any multivitamin tablet will suffice. However, if your doctor recommends another supplement, take it accordingly.
  • On the day before the surgery, you need to follow a clear liquid diet. This diet is necessary to empty the stomach and prepare for the surgery. In the clear liquid diet, you can consume drinks such as water, tea, herbal tea, salt water, broth, fruit juice (strained), lemonade, etc. However, avoid drinks such as milk, yogurt, coffee, cola, carbonated drinks, alcohol, etc.
  • You can mix your fruit juice with fat-free milk. This will increase your protein intake and give you a feeling of satiety. You should strain the vegetables and drink their juice. This will provide your vitamin and mineral intake. You can make your day more comfortable by adding plenty of cinnamon to milk or soy milk. Cinnamon regulates your blood sugar and boosts your metabolism.

The Day of the Surgery

On the day of the surgery, there are some things you need to do before and after coming to the hospital. These are as follows:
  • Do not chew gum, consume any liquids, or take any medications. This is very important to prevent anesthesia complications.
  • When coming to the hospital, wear comfortable clothes. Also, bring your belongings to use after the surgery, such as pajamas, slippers, personal care items, books, magazines, music players, etc.
  • When you arrive at the hospital, complete the registration procedures and settle in your room. The nurses will prepare you for the surgery. They will measure your blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level. They will also open a vein and give you fluids and take blood.
  • Your doctor will give you the latest information about the surgery and present you with the documents you need to sign. They will also discuss your post-surgery expectations and questions. Your doctor will perform your final examination before the surgery and get your approval for the surgery.
  • The anesthesiologist will inform you about the anesthesia and get your approval for the anesthesia. They will also ask you information such as your allergies, medication use, previous surgeries, etc. The anesthesiologist will choose and apply the appropriate anesthesia method for you.
  • When you are taken to the operating room, the surgical team will assist you. You will be laid on the operating table and anesthesia will be applied. The surgery will take about 1-2 hours. During the surgery, the stomach is reduced and the small intestine is reconnected by skipping a part of it. After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room.
  • In the recovery room, the nurses will monitor you and check your vital signs. You should rest and not move after the surgery. You may feel pain or discomfort in the area operated on or due to how you lie down. Neck or shoulder pain is also common after the surgery. Pain and nausea can be relieved with IV drugs. Start consuming liquids after you pass your “leakage test”. You can take short walks. Get out of bed and walk at least 3 times a day.

2-3 Days After the Surgery

At this stage, most patients leave the hospital and switch to the home treatment plan. Before and after leaving the hospital, you need to do the following:
  • Keep your wound clean. Gently wash it with soap and water (do not rub), gently dry it all over. Wrap it with sterile bandages. If your wound has signs of infection (redness, swelling, increased heat, discharge, bad smell), notify your doctor.
  • Take the prescribed painkiller when needed. Your pain will decrease every day. When taking painkillers, do not forget to take stomach protectors as well. Painkillers can increase stomach acid and cause ulcers. Stomach protectors reduce this risk.
  • Continue to consume only clear liquids. At this stage, you should not consume solid or puree foods. Clear liquids can include drinks such as water, tea, herbal tea, salt water, broth, fruit juice (strained), lemonade, etc. However, avoid drinks such as milk, yogurt, coffee, cola, carbonated drinks, alcohol, etc.
  • Walking increases blood circulation, prevents blood clot formation, improves lung functions, and regulates bowel movements. Take short walks at least 3 times a day. Do not strain yourself, gradually increase.

5 Days After the Surgery

At this stage, you can take a shower and start light activities. However, you should pay attention to the following rules:

  • Do not enter a bathtub or jacuzzi filled with water. This can wet your wounds and increase the risk of infection.
  • Do not lift anything heavy. Lifting heavy can put excessive pressure on the stitches and the torso and cause hernia formation. You can lift up to 10 lbs/4.5 kg.
  • It is completely normal for bowel movements to be difficult or painful. Constipation is normal in the first week after the surgery. To prevent constipation, drink plenty of fluids, walk, and take fiber supplements as recommended by your doctor. Also, you can use laxatives or enemas as recommended by your doctor.
  • You can take painkillers when you need them. You can take Protonix medication to reduce the acidity in your stomach. This helps with heartburn and reduces the pressure in your abdomen. Unless your surgeon says otherwise, you can continue to use your medications. All non-controlled release drugs will need to be crushed. If possible, any controlled release drug should be replaced with a non-controlled release one. Do not crush controlled release drugs. Ask your doctor for diabetic medications.

7 Days After the Surgery

This is an important day for recovery, as you will start eating again and be able to drive. Your pain will be completely gone and you will no longer need prescription painkillers. However, you should pay attention to the following rules:
  • Consume drinks and soft foods (without particles). At this stage, you should not consume solid foods. Drinks and soft foods can include foods such as water, tea, herbal tea, salt water, broth, fruit juice (strained), lemonade, yogurt, cheese, pudding, soup, egg, fish, chicken, turkey, etc. However, avoid foods such as milk, coffee, cola, carbonated drinks, alcohol, bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, beans, chickpeas, lentils, corn, peas, carrots, apple, pear, banana, melon, watermelon, etc.
  • Continue walking, leg and breathing exercises. These exercises will improve your blood circulation, lung functions, and bowel movements. Walk at least 3 times a day. Do not strain yourself, gradually increase.
  • Limit yourself to only light physical activities (lift up to 10 lbs/4.5 kg). Lifting heavy can put excessive pressure on the stitches and the torso and cause hernia formation. Also, avoid activities such as sports, running, cycling, swimming, etc.

14 Days After the Surgery

At this stage, your wounds will heal nicely and you will no longer need bandages, but they may still be a bit swollen, itchy, or irritated. Also, continue walking, leg and breathing exercises. However, you should pay attention to the following rules:
  • If your wounds have signs of infection (redness, swelling, increased heat, discharge, bad smell), notify your doctor. After your wounds are completely closed, use special lotions (and sunscreen when exposed to the sun) to minimize the scar.
  • Limit yourself to only light physical activities (lift up to 10 lbs/4.5 kg). Lifting heavy can put excessive pressure on the stitches and the torso and cause hernia formation. Also, avoid activities such as sports, running, cycling, swimming, etc.
  • Start a long-term care diet. This diet will help you lose weight, eat healthily, and prevent post-surgery complications. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for your diet. Generally, pay attention to the following rules:
    • Consume mainly protein-rich foods at each meal. Protein preserves muscle mass, gives a feeling of fullness, and speeds up wound healing. Prefer animal-based proteins such as meat, eggs, cheese, yogurt, milk, fish, chicken, turkey, etc.
    • Consume enough fluids. Fluids provide your body’s hydration, prevent constipation, and speed up your metabolism. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid a day. You can drink drinks such as water, tea, herbal tea, salt water, broth, fruit juice (strained), lemonade, etc. However, avoid drinks such as milk, coffee, cola, carbonated drinks, alcohol, etc.
    • Do not drink anything while eating. This expands the stomach and reduces the effectiveness of the surgery. Also, wait at least 30 minutes after eating, then consume liquids.
    • Eat in small portions. Your stomach is reduced, so you can’t eat as much as before. Therefore, eat in small portions and chew slowly. Make sure you feel comfortable after eating. Overeating can cause problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, acid reflux, dumping syndrome, etc.
    • Do not use refined sugar. Refined sugar raises your blood sugar, causes insulin resistance, and makes you gain weight. Also, after the surgery, sugary foods can cause a condition called “dumping syndrome”, which causes nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, etc.
    • Avoid drinks and foods that contain added sugar. These foods, in addition to the harms of refined sugar mentioned above, are a source of empty calories and are not nutritious. Stay away from foods such as fruit juice, soda, candy, cake, cookie, ice cream, jam, honey, molasses, etc.
    • Stay away from fried foods and fast food. These foods are rich in fat and make digestion difficult. They are also high in calories and make you gain weight. Do not consume foods such as chicken, potatoes, hamburger, pizza, pastry, raw meatballs, lahmacun, etc.
    • Consume fiber-rich foods in a balanced way. Fiber regulates bowel movements, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, gives a feeling of fullness, and helps with weight loss. However, consuming too much fiber can cause problems such as gas, bloating, cramps in the stomach and intestines. Therefore, consume fiber-rich foods in a balanced way and drink enough fluids. Prefer fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, oats, flax seeds, chia seeds, etc.
    • You should take essential vitamin and mineral supplements as your nutrient intake will be restricted. These supplements provide the nutrients your body needs and help prevent deficiencies. Take supplements such as multivitamin, iron, calcium, B12, D vitamin as recommended by your doctor.

4-6 Weeks After the Surgery

At this stage, you will transition to your “new normal” life. You can start lifting heavy again. You will start your new diet and exercise routine. You will probably not feel any pain anymore. However, you should pay attention to the following rules:
  • You can start your normal daily activities and exercises, including lifting heavy. At this stage, your body has healed, so you can move more. However, do not strain yourself and exercise according to your doctor’s recommendations. You can do activities such as sports, running, cycling, swimming, etc. However, if you experience problems such as pain, bleeding, swelling, infection, etc., notify your doctor.
  • Continue with a long-term care diet. This diet will help you lose weight, eat healthily, and prevent post-surgery complications. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for your diet. Generally, pay attention to the rules mentioned above. Also, pay attention to the following points:
    • Gradually switch to solid foods. At this stage, your stomach capacity will increase and you will be able to consume more varied foods. However, eat slowly and in small portions and chew slowly. Make sure you feel comfortable after eating. Overeating can cause problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, acid reflux, dumping syndrome, etc.
    • Eat balanced and varied. At this stage, you need to get all the nutrients your body needs. Consume protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin, mineral, fiber, and other nutrients in a balanced way. Prefer foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meat, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, fish, chicken, turkey, legumes, nuts, seeds, etc. However, reduce or restrict foods such as sugar, salt, fat, flour, etc.
    • You should take essential vitamin and mineral supplements as your nutrient intake will be restricted. These supplements provide the nutrients your body needs and help prevent deficiencies. Take supplements such as multivitamin, iron, calcium, B12, D vitamin as recommended by your doctor.

6 Weeks After the Surgery and Beyond

At this stage, you will have reached the end of your recovery process. You can fully return to your normal life. You can enjoy your new body. However, you should pay attention to the following rules:
  • Maintain your healthy lifestyle. At this stage, your weight loss will slow down or stop. However, you need to maintain your healthy lifestyle to keep your weight and improve your health. Exercise regularly, eat balanced and varied, drink enough fluids, do not smoke or drink alcohol, stay away from stress.
  • Stay in touch with your doctor. At this stage, you will see your doctor less often, but keep in touch. Go to your check-ups as recommended by your doctor, have your tests done, take your medications, share your problems. Your doctor will monitor your health status and give you the necessary advice.
  • If you need psychological support, get help. At this stage, you will have experienced major changes in your body and your life. These changes can sometimes be psychologically challenging. You may feel depressed, anxious, lonely, unhappy, insecure, guilty, angry, regretful, etc. These feelings are normal and temporary. However, if you have trouble coping with these feelings, seek professional help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. Also, you can get support from your family, friends, support groups, or other gastric bypass patients.

This guide is prepared for those who want to have gastric bypass surgery in Turkey. It explains what you need to do before and after the surgery. However, this guide is for general information purposes only and each patient’s situation may differ. Therefore, before making a decision about the surgery, talk to your doctor in detail and follow their recommendations. Gastric bypass surgery is a decision that will change your life. When making this decision, you need to be ready both physically and psychologically. After the surgery, you can enjoy your new body and life by maintaining your healthy lifestyle. We have come to the end of this guide.

 

In this guide, we prepared for those who want to have gastric bypass surgery in Turkey, we explained what you need to do before and after the surgery. We hope this guide has been helpful to you. Before making your decision about the surgery, talk to your doctor in detail and follow their recommendations. Gastric bypass surgery is a decision that will change your life. When making this decision, you need to be ready both physically and psychologically. After the surgery, you can enjoy your new body and life by maintaining your healthy lifestyle.

Guidelines

Procedures