Most patients stay in the hospital approximately five to eight days after an
open procedure and two to five days after a laparoscopic procedure. You will be
discharged when you are able to:
Take enough liquids and nutrients by mouth to prevent dehydration
Have no fever
Have adequate pain control with medication
Depending on which procedure is performed, one or two small tubes may be
placed around the stomach pouch and the bypassed stomach to drain body fluids
after the surgery. These are usually removed in three to ten days. To help
prevent blood clots, anti-embolism stockings or other compression devices will
be placed on your legs, and your surgeon will require you to attempt to stand up
and move around as soon as possible, usually within the first 24 hours.
Depending on your medical condition, there is the possibility of being placed
in the intensive care unit to closely monitor your heart and lungs. Depending on
the hospital, patients who use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) for sleep apnea may be asked to bring
their machines with them for use immediately after the operation.