The International Bariatric Clinic at Szpital na Klinach
Post–follow-up care and treatment recommendations
Every one of our patients at the Szpital na Klinach is under the constant care of a bariatrician, psychologist, and dietician after bariatric surgery.
Our team of specialists from Szpital na Klinach
Because operations at the Szpital na Klinach are performed using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or the da Vinci robotic surgical system, our patients are typically hospitalized for only about 3-5 days. Recovery and return to daily living are also much faster than in the case of traditional, open surgical methods. Because the most advanced international standards of care call for early rehabilitation to maximize healthy recovery, we assist our patients to sit upright, go for a walk, and use the restrooms within only three hours after the procedure. However, it is worth remembering that a complete and full return to life and professional activities is a very individual matter and largely depends on the patient’s health condition. Our experts will help you tailor a plan to achieve your health expectations in a timely, responsible manner.
Pain after surgery
Because surgery, even minimally invasive, is by definition still invasive, pain after a bariatric procedure is expected. However, our experts’ experience with the latest surgical techniques and post-operative management will ensure that in most cases, it is mild. Pain medication is routinely available to ensure our patients’ comfort for the first 2 days, as that is the typical period where they feel discomfort. We will of course work with you to ensure your wellbeing as needed.
24 hours after surgery
It is important to give the body time to heal on its own, without being burdened too quickly by our normal physoiological functions. This is why, during the first 24 hours after the surgery, you should refrain from eating and you will only receive intravenous drips to keep you hydrated and comfortable. You can drink small amounts of fluids under medical supervision. If you require orally administered drugs, you can swallow them with a few sips of water. The day after the procedure, you can start drinking fluids and gradually increase their volume. Please note that these should be calorie-free drinks, e.g., still mineral water or weak tea without sugar, and the amount of fluid consumed during the day should not exceed 500 ml in 15 ml portions. On this day, you can also spend up to 8 hours out of bed, your dose of painkillers can be reduced, and your dressings will be changed.
First week after surgery
On the second day after surgery, in the case of sleeve gastrectomy and bypass surgery, some patients undergo an anastomotic leak test. This is for screening purposes to ensure the connections our surgeons created are functioning optimally. For this purpose, an X-ray image is taken with an oral contrast liquid that you will swallow. Not all patients require this examination.
During this period, the total fluid volume you can ingest increases to about 1000-1500 ml and we recommend you consume about 60 ml every hour. Our experts recommend to avoid using a straw because swallowing too much air may cause gas and abdominal discomfort in the early post-operative period.
3-5 days after surgery, the patient can usually leave the hospital. On discharge, in addition to the list of recommendations, the patient also receives a prescription for medications and sick leave for 2-4 weeks. Your success is our mission, so every bariatric patient at the Szpital na Klinach receive a personalized nutritional guide, a diet plan written for up to 8 weeks, and relevant contact numbers for advice in the event of any discomfort, unpleasant symptoms, or other concerns.
By the end of the first week after your surgery, the stomach and intestines heal sufficiently to allow you to replace more than half of the total fluids with nutritional drinks such as skimmed milk or yogurt, light broth with lean poultry meat and vegetables such as celery, carrots or parsley, diluted semolina, barley or rice, and unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices diluted with water.
Physical activity after bariatric surgery
Physical activity certainly helps in the quick recovery of patients undergoing bariatric surgeries, and is especially beneficial in the first few days after your surgery. You will start off slow but can gradually increase effort with the help of our advisors. In the beginning, it is best to start with walking, and then, approx. 6 weeks after the surgery, gradually implement activities such as Nordic pole walking, cycling, or swimming. There are no long-term restrictions for any specific type of physical activity after most bariatric surgeries (except for some sports when wearing a gastric band).
Medical checks
During hospitalization, you will be under the constant care of the attending physician. After leaving the hospital, your first visit will be 7-10 days after surgery to check your overall health and remove stitches. Your next visit is planned 2-3 months after the surgery to analyze your progress in losing body weight, correct eating habits, discuss any problems or ailments, and to recheck the integrity of the anastomoses using an X-ray and oral contrast. Your long-term progress will be checked during 6 and 12 month post-operative.
Our team of experts at Szpital na Klinach stress the importance that all our bariatric patients be aware that bariatric treatment does not end when follow-up visits are completed. Every one of our patients requires regular supervision, long-term care, and continued education in the field of proper nutrition, as well as proper supplementation of nutrients. We will help you achieve your goals.