Post-Surgical Instructions
A complete recovery roadmap — what to do in the hospital, during the first weeks, and through long-term follow-up to protect your results and your health.
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The 4 Pillars of Your Recovery
From the moment you wake up after surgery to the end of your sixth week — these four areas determine how smoothly you heal.
Immediately After Surgery (Hospital)
- Start walking slowly as soon as you return to your room. Walk frequently throughout the day — reduces gas, improves circulation, speeds recovery.
- You'll stay 1–2 nights in the hospital, depending on your procedure and clinical progress.
- Do NOT drink liquids until the fluoroscopy (leak test) is completed — usually the day after surgery.
- Before fluoroscopy, you may have small ice chips only to relieve thirst.
Activity & Recovery
- Walking from day one is essential. Do not stay seated or lying down for long stretches.
- Do not lift more than 10 kg / 22 lb during the first 4 weeks.
- Do not lift more than 11 kg / 25 lb during the first 6 weeks.
- Light cardiovascular activity may resume after 2 weeks, as tolerated.
- Intense exercise & weight training: after 6–8 weeks, with medical clearance.
Incision Care
- Wash incisions once daily with soap and water during the first week.
- Keep incisions clean and dry at all times.
- Do NOT apply creams, powders, or ointments unless instructed by your physician.
- Mild swelling or minimal clear drainage is normal during the first few days.
Hydration
- Take small sips continuously throughout the day.
- Daily goal: 1.5 – 2 liters (48–64 oz).
- Avoid drinking large amounts at once — your stomach can't hold it.
- Dehydration is the #1 cause of post-op ER visits and is 100% preventable.
Post-Operative Diet — 4 Phases
You must follow your nutrition plan strictly. Skipping phases — even if you feel fine — can cause nausea, vomiting, leaks, or stomach dilation.
Clear Liquids
Hydration + initial healing. Sugar-free, no caffeine, no carbonation.
Full Liquids
Add protein shakes, low-fat dairy, blended/cream soups (no chunks).
Soft / Pureed
Eggs, Greek yogurt, pureed protein. Texture of applesauce.
Regular Foods
Gradual transition to a long-term, protein-first eating pattern.
Do NOT skip any phase — even if you feel well. Skipping stages may lead to nausea, vomiting, pain, obstruction, leaks, or stomach dilation. Refer to your full post-op diet guide for the complete breakdown.
Protein, Supplements & What to Avoid
Two simple lists: what you start, and what you stop. Both protect your healing and your long-term results.
✅ Protein & Supplements
- Start protein during week 1 — clear protein or protein powder mixed with water.Examples: Unjury, Isopure, Premier Protein
- Daily protein goal: 60–90 grams
- Bariatric multivitamins — start 1–2 weeks after surgery, as directed by your team.Example: Bariatric Advantage
- Take supplements for life — bariatric surgery permanently changes nutrient absorption.
❌ Habits to Stop
- Do not smoke. Smoking slows healing, increases infection risk, and complicates the entire recovery.
- Do not consume alcohol. Empty calories, irritates the stomach, and is metabolized very differently after bariatric surgery.
Medications
Take treatments exactly as recommended. Resume your regular treatments only as instructed by your physician.
Personalized to Your Procedure
Your surgeon will provide individualized post-operative medication instructions based on your procedure and medical history. Always follow the schedule and dosage given to you in writing during your hospital discharge.
Note: Specific treatments, doses, and brand names may vary depending on your surgical city (Tijuana, Puerto Vallarta, or Guadalajara) and your individual clinical needs. Always follow the personalized recommended provided by your surgeon.
Follow-Up & Blood Work Schedule
Maintain regular follow-up with your nutritionist and bariatric team. Routine lab monitoring detects deficiencies before they cause symptoms.
Required Labs
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Iron panel (iron, ferritin, TIBC)
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Additional Labs
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
These additional micronutrients are monitored because bypass and DS patients absorb less from food and need closer surveillance.
📅 Bypass & Duodenal Switch
📅 Gastric Sleeve
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Lab work is required for life.
- Deficiencies often develop without symptoms.
- Supplements must be adjusted based on lab results.
- If a deficiency is detected, labs should be repeated after treatment.
Warning Signs — Contact Us Immediately
If you experience any of the following, contact your medical team right away. Do not wait. These symptoms can be early signs of complications that respond best to fast intervention.
24/7 Surgeon Access
ALO Bariatrics patients have direct access to their surgeon for the first year. Reach out — we'd rather hear from you 10 times unnecessarily than miss something important once.
Related Patient Resources
Questions about your recovery?
Every ALO Bariatrics patient gets lifetime support — call or WhatsApp our coordinators anytime, day or night.
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