Gastric Bypass Recovery — Gold Coast
What to expect after Roux-en-Y: hospital stay, pain control, diet progression and a safe return to activity.
Typical timeline
- Hospital stay: usually 2–3 nights with early walking.
- Pain control: multimodal analgesia; taper as advised.
- Driving/work: when off strong pain meds and safe to emergency stop (desk work ~2 weeks).
Diet stages
Fluids → Purees → Soft → Regular over ~4–6 weeks. See Bypass Diet Stages.
Activity
- Walk from day 1; gradually increase duration.
- Avoid heavy lifting until cleared by your care team.
- Return to gym/strenuous work is staged and personalised.
Follow-up & blood tests
Scheduled reviews with the surgeon and dietitian. Long-term vitamin/mineral monitoring is essential. See Vitamins after Bypass.
When to call
Fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, calf swelling or wound concerns. If severe, seek urgent care.
Related
Questions about recovery?
Recovery FAQs
When can I drive?
When you’re off strong pain medicines and can safely perform an emergency stop.
How much time off work?
Desk work is commonly ~2 weeks; physically demanding roles may require longer.
Will I have drains?
Depends on intra-operative findings and surgeon preference; you’ll be advised before discharge.