It is important that you take an active part in your own recovery!
To complete:
Day of surgery
Drinking:
AIM TO DRINK 30MLS EVERY 15 MINUTES OR 1 CUP PER HOUR MINIMUM. ALSO VARY YOUR FLUIDS
Drinks you can have in hospital are known as “Free Fluids” some of which are listed below;
- Water
- Squash
- Non fizzy drinks
- Tea
- Coffee
- Milk
- Clear soup (ordered by the housekeeper)
- Slim fast (your own supply)
How much fluid, in millilitres (or in 150ml cups), have you drank today?
Walking:
You MUST aim to get out of bed and walk on the day of your surgery and then regularly afterwards. This helps to prevent chest infection and blood clots and can help with nausea and reflux. Please do so at first with a staff member, until steady on your feet.
- How many times did you walk?
Pain:
If your pain scores are high then ask your nurse for some pain relief.
You may experience some discomfort on drinking to begin with, this is normal.
- How much pain have you been in?
1-3 Mild
4-6 Moderate
7-10 severe
Day of morning after surgery
Drinking:
AIM TO DRINK 30MLS EVERY 15 MINUTES OR 1 CUP PER HOUR MINIMUM. ALSO VARY YOUR FLUIDS
Drinks you can have in hospital are known as “Free Fluids” some of which are listed below;
- Water
- Squash
- Non fizzy drinks
- Tea
- Coffee
- Milk
- Clear soup (ordered by the housekeeper)
- Slim fast (your own supply)
How much fluid, in millilitres (or in 150ml cups), have you drank today?
Walking:
You MUST aim to get out of bed and walk on the day of your surgery and then regularly afterwards. This helps to prevent chest infection and blood clots and can help with nausea and reflux. Please do so at first with a staff member, until steady on your feet.
- How many times did you walk?
Pain:
If your pain scores are high then ask your nurse for some pain relief.
You may experience some discomfort on drinking to begin with, this is normal.
- How much pain have you been in?
1-3 Mild
4-6 Moderate
7-10 severe
Nausea
Some nausea is expected and extremely common after bariatric surgery. You will be given medication to help with this and it will settle after a few days.
If you cannot drink due vomiting then ask your nurse for some anti-sickness medication.
You should expect to be discharged the following morning after review by the surgeon
You will be discharged if you:
- Are surgically fit (i.e. blood pressure etc. as assessed by surgical team)
- Experiencing acceptable pain levels (reasonably well controlled on current analgesia)
- Are drinking adequately (approx. 1.5 L calculated over 24hrs )
Please ensure you have information on the following before leaving:
- Wound care – the port site wounds will have glue and you can shower with these. Do not scrub or pick the glue, it will come off on its own.
- Medications – ensure the nurses have explained your medication to you and when to take.
- You may already have an appointment with the obesity centre for a follow up in approximately 6 weeks. If you don’t receive then please contact obesity nurses.
- Transport arrangements including if need be fare money or taxi.
This information is for you to keep track of your own progress; it will not necessarily be checked by a healthcare professional.
If you have any questions whilst in hospital, please speak to the nurse in charge in the first instance or contact the Enhanced Recovery Team on 01582 718169 or bleep 398.
Obesity Hotline Number 01582 497421/01582497420 /015824974166.
Good luck in your recovery!