Step 5

The hospital stay typically lasts two-three days for patients undergoing a Roux en 4 gastric bypass.  Patients undergoing the Lap Band procedure will usually be in the hospital overnight.

Step 6

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is performed.

Learn more about the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operation.

Following surgery, patients are taken into the Post-op recovery area. Once the patient is awake, they are transferred to their regular hospital room, located on Lerner Tower 9. During this time, nurses assist the patients in getting out of bed and ambulating starting the night of surgery to expedite their recovery and prevent complications.

Step 7

Day two of the hospital stay includes giving the patient an esophagram, or swallow study, to ensure that there are no leaks within the digestive tract, specifically in the new stomach pouch or newly attached intestine. Additionally, the procedure ensures that the anastomosis, or the connection between the stomach pouch and the small intestine, is open, and liquids can flow readily through it into the small intestine, where digestion begins.

Patients stand in front of the X-ray equipment and are given a small amount of contrast to swallow, which can be tracked through the body by the radiologist performing the esophagram.

Initially, the patients are asked to take a sip of the contrast, or dye, then hold it in their mouth until it is visible on the X-ray machine. Then, they are asked to swallow the contrast, and the radiologist charts its progress down the esophagus through the upper gastrointestinal system. Several pictures are taken to chart the flow of the contrast through the digestive system.

Post-operative swallow study
The procedure usually requires that patients swallow 4 to 6 mouthfuls of contrast. If the patient's flow is determined to be clear orders are then placed for their post-op diet to begin.

Step 8

Hospital discharge

Once patients are able to tolerate their new diet, they are able to go home. An occasional patient may need to stay an extra day or two for additional recovery time.