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Prior to the surgery, patients are encouraged to follow all preparatory steps recommended by their physician. These may include modifications to diet, engaging in an exercise program and limiting or stopping use of nicotine products.

Following surgery, patients will have a short hospital stay. The length of the stay will depend on the type of surgery performed and the patient’s recovery. Patients will be placed on a special diet for several months that begins with liquids and progresses through pureed foods and soft foods before returning to regular foods.

Patients will initially find that they need to eat very small meals throughout the day, although the stomach will stretch a small amount over time. However, the amount of food a patient can eat is permanently restricted following surgery. 

For the first six months following surgery, patients often find that they may vomit or feel pain under the breastbone if they eat too much or eat too quickly. Patients may experience other symptoms during this period as well, including:

• Body aches
• Feeling of tiredness similar to flu
• Feeling cold
• Dry skin
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Mood changes