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Immediate Post-Op Care

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    Post-Op Nutrition

    Be sure to follow the Post-Op Diet:

    Post-Op Diet – Week 1 (days 1-7)

    Post-Op Diet – Week 2 (days 8-14)

    Post-Op Diet – Week 3 & 4 (days 15-28)



    Pain Management & Post-Op Medications
     

    If you are prescribed medications by your Primary Care Physician and were instructed to discontinue them prior to your surgery, please resume taking them at this time. The only exception: If the surgeons gave you any other specific instructions, while at the hospital, you will follow those instructions instead.
     

    ***IMPORTANT NOTE: If you take high blood pressure or diabetic medications, or any other medication that may be affected by weight loss, please stay in close contact with your Primary Care Physician. Check your blood pressure and blood sugars closely.
    These medications may need to be adjusted quickly as you lose weight. You don't want your medications to lower your blood pressure and/or blood sugars too much***

     

    You were given a blood thinner while at the hospital. Do not be alarmed if you develop a large bruise across your abdomen, or find yourself bruising easily. This will fade quickly.
     

    1. Pain Medication: Take the prescribed pain medication(s), as directed, and/or use Tylenol, as needed.

    Liquid Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 250-500mg every 6-8 hours. Maximum 4000mg daily in the first 3 days. Maximum 2500mg each day thereafter, as needed.


    2. Antibiotics:

    Macrozit (Antibiotic): To reconstitute: pour the liquid into the powder & shake well. Take as prescribed.


    3. Acid Reducer:

    Omeprazole: Take one (1) pill each morning and evening. Do NOT stop this medication. Take until gone (2 months), even if you feel great. It is helping your stomach heal.



    When to Call or Seek Medical Attention

    If you are experiencing any of the following, seek local medical attention immediately (Urgent Care, PCP, ER, etc.):

    • Fever greater than 100.5 Fahrenheit that is unrelieved by Acetaminophen.
    • Redness & hot to touch at the wound site.
    • Green pus and drainage.
    • Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting.
    • Bleeding (unrelieved by pressure).
    • Difficulty breathing or extreme shortness of breath.
    • Severe shaking and sweating.
       

    ***Do NOT delay***
    **When in doubt, seek local medical attention immediately**
     



    Wound Care

    Approximately 3 days after you get home, (6-7 days after surgery), you will want to remove your bandages and clean your wounds well. The easiest way is to get in the shower, allow the bandages to become very wet and peel off gently. If the bandages are stuck to the surgical glue, let the water run over as you very gently peel back and slowly remove (do not rip).

    • Wash with soap and water.
    • Rinse well.
    • Pat dry or use a COOL hair dryer.
    • It is your choice at this point, whether to re-bandage, or leave them off and let the wounds air out.
       

    Dissolvable sutures are used, however, if you happen to see a stitch coming up near a wound – DO NOT TUG. Simply cut off with nail clippers at the surface and it will eventually dissolve.
     

    ***Your main goal is to keep the wounds CLEAN and DRY***
     



    Vitamins & Supplementation

    For the first 3-4 weeks, DO NOT take any vitamins or supplements orally; they can be very hard on your healing stomach. You may use the Vitamin Patch supplements immediately post-op. The link is HERE. A good quality multi-vitamin should be all that you need during this time.

    If you do not have the patch-type vitamins, then do not take anything. You will not become vitamin deficient in the first 3-4 weeks.
     

    Stay Hydrated

    If you feel dizzy, you are most likely dehyrated. You really need to try to consume 64 ounces of non-caloric, non-carbonated, non-caffeinated liquids per day (see post-op diet).

    If you are taking high blood pressure medication, check your blood pressure. With your rapid weight loss, your doctor may need to adjust your medication dosage.

    If you feel you getting dehydrated, you may want to look up "IV Therapy Spa" near you. This can help keep you better hydrated.

    If you experience constipation, you are likely dehydrated and need more fluid intake, however, per the doctor's orders, you may take a gentle laxative to help.

    If you feel you are too dehydrated, seek medical treatment immediately. Do NOT delay!


     

    ***Signs of Dehydration***
    Extreme thirst or dry, sticky mouth
    Decreased urine output or dark colored urine with a strong smell
    Dizziness or lightheadedness
    Headache