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Weight loss surgery is a major procedure, and recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s postoperative recovery instructions.
The majority of patients have minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, surgery. Surgeons who use a minimally invasive approach create four to five small incisions.
Compared to open surgery, minimally invasive surgery offers:
- A shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Less pain
- Less abdominal trauma
- Less scarring
If you’re concerned about pain after surgery, speak with your surgeon. Your surgeon will discuss the pain management medications that he or she will provide you with after the surgery. Some patients are provided with a system that allows them to control their pain medication with the push of a button.
Browse Real Patients’ Stories to hear about weight loss surgery patients’ experiences with recovery.
As with any major surgery, there will be a recovery period. Recovery periods vary from patient to patient and depend on the type of surgery you have.
One study found that laparoscopic gastric bypass patients typically:
- Left the hospital on the second day
- Returned to work at 21 days
Take the time to follow your surgeon’s instructions. For examples of what recovery might be like, visit Life After Weight Loss Surgery.
And be sure to use this time to practice healthy habits, such as diet and exercise. [LINK TO 1.7.4.2 HEALTHY HABITS FOR SUCCESS]
Your health is worth the time it takes to fully recover. Try not to rush it. After all, your body will be healing from surgery.
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