The usual length of stay in the hospital is about 2-3 days if you are having a gastric bypass operation (open or laparoscopic) and one day if you are having the Lap-Band operation.  The vast majority of patients stay in the hospital for less than 5 days.

During the hospital stay, the nursing staff will assist you in walking around the floor and caring for yourself.  Your diet will be advanced through a series of stages depending on how well you are able to eat.  A dietitian will meet with you in the hospital to help you with your diet when you go home.

Patients should expect to be out of work for 4 to 6 weeks after having a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass. Those who have the laparoscopic adjustable band “Lap-Band” typically return to work after 1 week.

Our surgeon will see you in the office about 1-2 weeks after your surgery and regularly after that to examine your incision(s) and discuss common postoperative concerns.  Postoperative follow up with the surgeon continues approximately every 3 months for the first year. After this period, it is recommended that there are annual follow-up visits with your surgeon. Patients who receive the laparoscopic adjustable band (lap-band) will meet with the surgeon at variable intervals for band adjustment.

Laboratory tests will be required on a regular basis to make sure there are no vitamin or mineral deficiencies or other concerns. 

Each patient will meet with the registered dietitian approximately 1-3 weeks after surgery and then in 3-month intervals until one year.  At this time the post operative diet progression will be reviewed.

After weight loss surgery, patients must learn to deal with a new way of eating, changing old behavior patterns and a shifting body image.  Long-term follow up and continued emotional support are essential for a successful weight loss surgery outcome.  Patients are encouraged to attend the Baystate Medical Center Weight Loss Surgery Support Groups.  The support groups give patients the opportunity to share their experiences while supporting one another through the postoperative process. 

We require that ALL patients attend three weight loss surgery support groups prior to their surgery.  View our current support group schedule....