Patient Education Bariatric Surgery Patient Education | Page 14

Common Bariatric Postoperative Questions/Concerns
To help address some common bariatric postoperative concerns, here are
some simple solutions or over-the-counter medication options that may
help:
Fatigue
You will need time to recover from your surgery. You may feel tired and it
often takes several weeks to regain your usual energy level. Problems with
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood counts and nutrition can combine to
make you feel tired as well. The best thing to do is stay active. Walking can
help your energy level. Plan to take 10-minute walks at least 6 times each
day. Get 65-75 gms. of protein and 64 oz. of fluids each day.
Constipation
Patients often go several days after surgery before having a bowel
movement. Do not be concerned unless your abdomen is feeling firm and
bloated or you have related discomfort. Increasing your activity and fluid
intake will help. You may also purchase Colace over the counter and take it
as directed.
Diarrhea
When bowel function returns it’s common to experience some diarrhea.
Take your temperature and if you have a fever greater than 101º F
(38.3 ºC) or you have severe abdominal cramping, call your surgeon’s office
and leave a detailed message including your temperature and how often,
the number of times, and how long you have been having diarrhea. If you
do not have a fever, you may try over-the-counter medicines Immodium or
Kaopectate. Take them only as directed.
Gas/Bloating/Flatulence
You may take Beano and Simethicone (Gas-X, etc.) as directed for these
symptoms.
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