Postoperative Instructions
The majority of patients have a smooth and uneventful postoperative recovery. Despite this, the time after your surgery can be overwhelming. Management of your wounds, stitches, diet and what activities you resume can be confusing as they vary depending on what procedure you have had undergone.
The followings outline the general principles of management. They are not meant to be exhaustive. If you have any concerns or need any clarification, please discuss with Dr Cheng.
Activities
Low intensity activities such as walking are fine and encouraged. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercises or gym training should be avoided for 4 weeks. Driving should be avoided for 1 week, depending on how well you recover from the surgery. You must be able to perform emergency braking and shoulder checks without causing pain before you return to driving.
Diet
With the exception of bariatric surgery, you can resume your normal diet upon discharge from the hospital. If you underwent an anti-reflux procedure, you will be given written instructions about your diet for the following 5-6 weeks.
Medications
Dr Cheng performs most surgeries laparoscopically (Key-hole), postoperative wound pain is generally very mild and short-lived. You will be prescribed analgesics (pain relief) to control the inevitable postoperative wound pain.
You can re-commence most of your regular medications once you resume oral intake postoperatively. However, there are specific instructions to re-commence blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, Xarelto, Apixaban, Plavix etc) and diabetic medications. Dr Cheng will discuss the instructions with you.
The efficacy of some medications may be affected by your surgery, in particular if you had bariatric surgery. Examples are thyroxine replacement therapy, oral contraceptive pills and antidepressants. Dr Cheng will discuss with you and liaise with your general practitioner about dose adjustment if required.
Wounds
Wound dressings can be removed in 5 days. You can take showers with the dressings as they are waterproof. Swimming and bathing should be avoided for 14 days to minimize the risk of wound infection. Wounds are closed with absorbable stitches placed under the skin. It takes up to 3 months to dissolve completely. You may notice a small ridge along the wound during this time.
Wound infection is an uncommon and minor complication. It usually occurs within the first week. The skin around the wound would become red. The majority of wound infection can be simply treated with antiseptic ointment. Occasionally a course of oral antibiotics might be required to clear the infection.
Bariatric Surgery
You are likely to be in hospital for 1-3 days. You will require between 2-4 weeks off work duties to recover from your surgery, depending on your work requirements. A medical certificate will be provided to you in advance or upon your discharge from the hospital.
Diet after bariatric surgery can be challenging. You will not be able to consume the same food in the same way as before the surgery. You will start with liquid diet such as soup and yoghurt. Knowledge of how to consume enough nutrients required for optimal daily performance is therefore essential.
The dietitian will guide you through a stepwise approach to increase the textures and varieties of foods. A nutrition plan that suits your needs and works in your own circumstances will be formulated.
You are expected to see the dietitian prior to your surgery, at one and three months after your surgery. Once three allocated dietitian consultations have been used, additional appointments can be arranged on a standard fee for service basis (Health fund and Medicare rebates may apply). Dr Cheng recommends seeing the dietitian every 6 -12 monthly thereafter to keep you on track to a successful weight loss and minimize the risk of weight regain in the future.
The dietitian will collaborate with Dr Cheng, your general practitioner and your psychologist ( if applicable) to ensure you achieve the weight loss that you desire.
Sunnybank Private Hospital
Suite 30, Level 2, Sunnybank Specialist Centre
245 McCullough Street, Sunnybank QLD4109
Phone: 07 3518 8626 Fax: 07 3319 6658