What To Expect the First Week After Weight Loss Surgery

The first week after weight loss is really exciting because you are officially starting your new life as a bariatric patient. Things are going to be different for you, so it is important to be prepared and know what is coming. Let’s explore what to expect the first week after weight loss surgery.

1. You will be sore. You just had surgery, so there will be some amount of pain as you are healing. It should not be severe, so make sure you talk to your doctor if you are experiencing intense pain. It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable, especially in your abdomen. The best thing to do about this is to rest. However, you do not want to just lay in bed all day. There will also be gas pain that you experience, and one of the best things to help that pain is by getting up and walking. Make sure you get up and get moving, as long as your surgeon says it is safe to do so.
2. You might be hungry. This differs by each individual, but there is a chance you might still be hungry after surgery. More than likely it is just head hunger. It is challenging figuring out what true hunger is after surgery. Some people do not experience hunger at all after surgery, while others swear it is true hunger. Be prepared that it might go either way for you. Do your best to stay away from other people when they are eating, as it will make it easier to not think about food. Also, make sure you are getting your fluids in. This will help if you are experiencing hunger pains. 
3. You might feel alone. It can be a really confusing first week after surgery and it might feel like no one understands what you are going through. This is why it is so important to have a strong support system before you have the procedure. Find people you can talk to and stay busy to keep your mind focused. Try journaling or video blogging your journey. It will be so cool for you to look back on and see your progress. This can be very therapeutic and will make it feel more normal for you. 

The first week after bariatric surgery can be scary, but I promise you that it will get better. Change can be uncomfortable, but this is one of the most exciting changes of your life. Embrace it and enjoy the ride!