Frequently Asked Questions - Surgery
1. Are the risks from all types of surgeries the same?
No. Laparoscopic operations and open operations each carry their own specific risks.
2. Will I have a lot of pain?
Every attempt is made to control pain after surgery to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become more active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery. Often several drugs are used together to help manage your post-surgery pain. While you are still in the hospital, Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), which allows you to give yourself does of pain medicine on demand, may be used by your physician. Various methods of pain control, depending on your type of surgical procedure, are available. Ask your surgeon about other pain management options.
3. How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
As long as it takes to be self-sufficient. Although it can vary, the hospital stay (including the day of surgery) can be 2 days for a laparoscopic band procedure, 2-3 days for a laparoscopic gastric bypass, and 2-5 days for an open gastric bypass.
4. Will the doctor leave a drain in after surgery?
Some patients will have a small tube to allow drainage of any accumulated fluids from the abdomen. This is a safety measure, and it is usually removed a few days after the surgery. Generally, it produces no more than minor discomfort.
5. How soon will I be able to walk?
Almost immediately after surgery doctors will require you to get up and move about. Patients are asked to walk or stand at the bedside on the night of surgery, take several walks the next day and thereafter. On leaving the hospital, you may be able to care for all you personal needs, but will need help with shopping, lifting and with transportation.
6. How soon can I drive?
For your own safety, you should not drive until you have stopped taking narcotic medications and can move quickly and alertly to stop your car, especially in an emergency. Usually this takes 7-14 days after surgery.
