Discharge Instructions

If you have any problems, questions, or concerns during office hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, call 229-432-8484. If you have urgent issues outside of office hours, you can page a medical assistant by dialing 229-889-3136. Please note that your call will be returned to the number that appears on the caller ID. Your call cannot be returned if your number has been blocked.

You can reach a Nurse Practitioner from the Bariatric Institute of Southwest Georgia during business hours at 229-434-2032. After hours, you can page a Nurse Practitioner here at 229-431-4206. Again, you will need to make sure that you’re calling from an unblocked number where you can receive a return call.

In the case of an emergency, go directly to the Emergency Center at Palmyra Medical Center.

Additional discharge instructions:

  • Do not drive while you’re taking pain medication. If you’re not taking pain medication, you should be able to return to driving within 3 or 4 days.
  • Do not lift or pull anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Do not attempt to pull or scratch off the Dermabond used to close your incisions. They will wear off in time.
  • Unless directed otherwise by your surgeon, you will be able to shower using soap and water. This will not affect your incisions.
  • Take liquid Tylenol or Motrin for any pain. Do not take pills or gel capsules.
  • Take your vitamins every day. We recommend 2 Flinstone chewables or Centrum liquid or chewable vitamins.

Eating/drinking after surgery:

  • Drink plenty of liquids. Strive for 64 ounces every day and take sips throughout the day. You will need to avoid carbonated beverages and limit your caffeine.
  • For the first 3 to 4 days, you’ll need to be on a liquid diet. This can include popsicles, gelatin, and chicken or beef broth.
  • During days 5 to 12 after surgery, you can have creamy liquids. This includes creamed soups, yogurt, puddings, or smoothies. Do not rush to start eating solid foods.
  • After a week of creamy liquids, you can move to very soft or pureed foods for another week before trying solid foods.
  • Starting solid foods too soon—that is, earlier than 6 weeks post-op—can stretch the small stomach pouch that was created with the gastric band. This can increase your risk for prolapse or symmetrical enlargement.

Follow Up Appointments:

Do not miss your follow-up appointments. Regular follow-up is one key to weight loss success with gastric banding. It’s also important for preventing complications. During your follow-up appointments, you can discuss any questions you have and talk to your surgeon about how much you can eat or drink normally. This information helps your surgeon decide how much fluid needs to be added to your band. You will probably have your first “fill,” during which fluid is injected into the band through your access port to tighten it, about 6 weeks after your surgery.

From the Palmyra Surgical Blog

  • Understanding the Glycemic Index
    Understanding the Glycemic Index
    Carbohydrates are one of the six essential nutrients. Despite common talk about avoiding carbohydrates for weight loss, our bodies require them to thrive. Carbohydrates contain sugar. When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks down that sugar and absorbs it into the cells with the help of a hormone called insulin, where it is then converted to fuel and used for energy.
  • Reasons to Consider Weight Loss Surgery
    Getting weight loss surgery is a choice that can have a major influence on your health and quality of life for years to come. The conversation surrounding weight loss surgery may come up at the advice of a doctor, after seeing a friend who was successful in their weight loss efforts or maybe after a series of frustrating weight loss attempts.
  • Managing Special Occasions after Weight Loss Surgery
    Every time you turn the corner there is another fast food restaurant or bakery loaded with its own temptations, and you do what you can to stand strong and stick to your post-bariatric diet plan.
  • Shop Smart to Lose Weight
    Healthy Shopping Strategies for a Healthy Household
    When one person in a household gets weight loss surgery, it is actually common for other members of that household to lose weight too. This is called a “halo effect.”
  • Making Healthy Food Substitutions after Weight Loss Surgery
    Approximately six weeks following weight loss surgery you’ll start making the gradual transition back to a whole-foods diet. This is an exciting period for many people. After weeks of gaining sustenance through liquids and soft foods, being able to enjoy a regular meal is something to look forward to.