Does Laparoscopic Surgery decrease the risk?

No, Laparoscopic operations carry comparable risks to the same procedure performed as an open operation. While the benefits of laparoscopy typically include less discomfort, a shorter hospital stay, earlier return to work, and reduced scarring, the inherent risks remain similar.

Will I have a lot of pain?

Every effort is made to manage post-surgery pain effectively, facilitating quick mobility and activity to prevent complications and expedite recovery. A combination of drugs is often employed to address post-surgery pain. During the hospital stay, your physician may utilize a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), allowing you to self-administer pain medicine on demand. Various pain control methods, tailored to your specific surgical procedure, are available, and it’s advisable to discuss alternative pain management options with your surgeon.

How long do I have to stay in the hospital?

The duration of the hospital stay varies but generally aligns with the time required for self-sufficiency. For laparoscopic procedures, it may be 1-2 days for a laparoscopic band, 2-3 days for a laparoscopic gastric bypass, and 5-7 days for an open gastric bypass, including the day of surgery.

Will the doctor leave a drain in after surgery?

In most cases, patients will have a small tube to facilitate drainage of accumulated fluids from the abdomen as a safety measure. Typically, this tube is removed a few days after surgery and causes minimal discomfort.

If I have surgery, what can I expect when I wake up in the recovery room?

Post-surgery, pain control methods may include a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) or an infusion pump delivering a local anesthetic to the surgical site. While the risk of death during these procedures is statistically less than 1 percent, it’s essential to be aware of potential complications such as bleeding, infection, thrombophlebitis, lung problems, strokes, heart attacks, anesthetic complications, and intestinal blockage or obstruction, with greater risks for morbidly obese patients.

How soon will I be able to walk?

Immediate post-surgery, doctors encourage patients to move about, requiring them to walk or stand at the bedside on the night of the surgery and engage in several walks the following day and beyond. While you may be able to care for personal needs upon leaving the hospital, assistance may be needed with activities like shopping, lifting, and transportation.

How soon can I drive?

For safety reasons, refraining from driving is recommended until you’ve ceased taking narcotic medications and can move quickly and alertly, particularly in emergencies. Typically, this timeframe extends to 7-14 days after surgery.