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Surgery
Does Laparoscopic Surgery decrease the risk?
No. Laparoscopic operations carry the same risk as the procedure performed as an open operation. The benefits of laparoscopy are typically less discomfort, shorter hospital stay, decreased hernia and wound infection rates, earlier return to work and reduced scarring.
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 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, a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), which allows you to give yourself an intravenous dose of pain medicine on demand, will be used to initially control your pain. When you are ready to go home, you will be given a prescription for pain medicine.
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 1-2 days for a laparoscopic band, 3-4 days for a laparoscopic gastric bypass.
How soon will I be able to walk?
Almost immediately after, the doctor 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 down the halls the next day and thereafter. Walking is the most effective means to decrease your risk of having a pulmonary embolus. On leaving the hospital, you may be able to care for all your personal needs, but will need help with shopping, lifting and with transportation.
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 3-5 days after surgery.