After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery
Recovery unit
When you wake up after surgery, you’ll be in the recovery unit with nursing staff keeping an eye on you. You’ll have some monitoring attached and a drip in place to keep you hydrated and comfortable. In some cases, a urinary catheter or a small drain may be used temporarily. These are simply part of helping your body recover safely.
If you need it, a PCA pump (a button you can press to receive pain relief) may also be connected to your drip so you can manage discomfort in a controlled and safe way.
Further post-operative care
Once you’re fully awake and feeling more settled, you’ll be moved to the ward. Some patients may be transferred to the high dependency unit (HDU) for closer monitoring, especially if you’re older, have a higher body weight, or have other medical conditions. Regardless of where you go, you’ll be well cared for, with regular monitoring and medication to manage pain and nausea.
Your nurse will guide you through deep breathing exercises to keep your lungs healthy, and help you sit up and move gently.
To prevent blood clots, we’ll use a combination of tools:
- TED stockings (compression stockings)
- A FlowTron machine (inflatable cuffs that gently squeeze your legs)
- A small daily injection to thin your blood
You’ll also be gently encouraged to start sipping water or sucking on ice chips later in the evening.
As a patient, you’ll be given direct access to our exclusive Patient Resource Centre where you’ll find clear advice and simple tips to guide you both before and after surgery.
