Post Bariatric Surgery
Discharge Guide
What to do at home after bariatric surgery
You are typically ready to go home when you are walking safely, sipping fluids with good tolerance (no persistent nausea or vomiting), using the incentive spirometer well in the hospital, and your pain is controlled.
Medications & Supplements
1) Resume Your Usual Home Medications
Unless Dr. El Djouzi or a team member tells you otherwise, you may restart your regular home medications after discharge.
Some medications may need to be delayed (example: aspirin or certain blood thinners). If you were told to hold a medication, follow those instructions exactly.
2) How to Take Medications for the First 6 Weeks
Crush tablets for 6 weeks, unless your team tells you otherwise.
Mix crushed medication with a small amount of applesauce or yogurt to make it easier to take.
If taste is a problem, ask about switching temporarily to a liquid or capsule form.
3) Extended Release Medications
Extended release medicines (ER, XR, SR) often absorb unpredictably after bariatric surgery, especially after gastric bypass.
Ask your prescribing clinician if an ER medication should be changed to a regular release form.
Discharge Prescriptions
A) Nausea — Ondansetron (Zofran ODT) 4 mg
- Take at the first hint of nausea
- Place under the tongue and let it dissolve
- Safe to take every 4 hours as needed
- Most patients only need this for the first few days
B) Pain Control
A liquid hydrocodone combination medication is often prescribed for short-term use. Use it only as needed, typically for the first couple of days, then transition to acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Liquid is preferred early on. If tablets are used, crush them. Take only as directed on your discharge paperwork.
⚠️ Important safety note: Many hydrocodone combination medicines already contain acetaminophen. Do not take extra acetaminophen on top of those doses unless you are sure you are staying within the daily maximum.
PPI & Clot Prevention
C) Acid Reducer (PPI)
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) lowers stomach acid and supports healing.
Examples include pantoprazole (Protonix), omeprazole (Prilosec), and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Take it exactly as prescribed.
D) Blood Clot Prevention (Only for Some Patients)
Some patients, especially with BMI over 50 or other clot risk factors, are sent home on a blood thinner for a set number of days.
This is case by case. If you were prescribed one, take it exactly as instructed.
Vitamins & Supplements
Start a few days after discharge
Bariatric Multivitamin
Start a bariatric multivitamin within a few days after discharge and continue long term.
Depending on the brand, it may be one or two tablets per day. Follow the label for your specific product.
Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D
Start calcium citrate with Vitamin D within a few days after discharge and continue long term.
- Goal is at least 1,500 mg of calcium per day total
- Choose calcium citrate (preferred after bariatric surgery)
- Vitamin D is usually included or paired with calcium. Follow the product instructions
If you are unsure which product to use, bring your options to your first follow-up visit. We will help you choose a simple plan.
Diet After Discharge
Bariatric Full Liquid Diet
Stay on a bariatric full liquid diet until your first postoperative visit, usually about one week after surgery. A simple rule: if it can be poured, it usually fits this stage.
Go slowly. If something causes discomfort or nausea, pause and return to gentle sips.
Fluid & Protein Goals
Fluids — 64 oz/day Goal
Goal is to work toward 64 ounces per day. All liquids count, including water, broth, and protein shakes.
Most patients cannot reach 64 ounces right away. That is normal. Start where you can and build daily.
Tips
- Sip slowly and consistently all day
- Keep a bottle with you at all times
- Track ounces in a notes app or on paper
Protein — 60–80 g/day
Goal is 60 to 80 grams per day, usually through protein shakes or low-sugar, high-protein smoothies.
Example: 2 shakes that contain 30g each = about 60g daily.
Just like fluids, protein goals may take a few days to reach. Keep progressing.
Constipation Prevention
Common After Surgery
Constipation is common early on, especially with pain medication and lower intake.
- Start a daily stool softener such as MiraLAX unless you were told not to
- MiraLAX is a powder and can be mixed into a drink
- Walking and hydration help
If Diarrhea Develops
Stop the stool softener and call the team.
Activity & Restrictions
Walking Is Essential
Walk frequently to reduce the risk of blood clots. Walk inside the house and outdoors as tolerated. Stairs are OK — go slowly and use the handrail.
Abdominal Binder
Support Belt
Many patients find an abdominal binder helpful after surgery. It supports the abdomen and can make walking and changing positions feel more comfortable.
A basic abdominal binder is provided for every patient right after surgery, typically before you leave the operating room. It is optional — supportive, not required.
When to Wear It
- Recommended while walking and moving around
- When lying down, loosen it significantly or remove it
- If it causes pain, feels too tight, or worsens nausea — do not wear it
How Long to Use It
- There is no fixed timeline
- Some patients stop using it during the hospital stay
- Others keep using it at home for as long as it provides comfort
- Wash it regularly — consider purchasing an extra one to rotate
Things to Avoid
These reduce discomfort and protect your new stomach.
No straws
Can introduce air into your stomach
No carbonated drinks
Soda, sparkling water, seltzers
Avoid caffeine
At least 6 weeks, ideally 3 months or longer
Avoid acidic liquids and foods
Citrus, tomato-based items
Avoid high-sugar items
Liquids and foods
Avoid heavy spices early on
Keep things simple and gentle
Hygiene & Incision Care
Showering & Incisions
- Showering is OK right away with soap and water
- Avoid soaking in a bathtub for 2 weeks
- Keep incisions clean and dry — do not scrub
Contact the team if you notice:
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, foul drainage, or worsening incision pain.
Follow-Up Visits
Diet advancement is reviewed at the first visit and progressed again around the 6-week visit.
When to Call Us
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- You cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration (very dark urine, dizziness, very low urine output)
- Fever, especially over 101°F, or chills
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- New calf pain, swelling, or redness
- Worsening abdominal pain not improving with the plan
- Incision problems (spreading redness, pus-like drainage, opening of the wound)
If symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency department.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns