Penn Bariatric Surgery Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
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 FAQ 

 

 

Waking up in the Recovery Room

  • When you wake up in the recovery room following surgery, you will feel tired and groggy.
  • The nurses will monitor you closely during your time in recovery.
    • While in the recovery room, you will be given oxygen. Most likely it will be administered to you through small plastic tubing that is placed at the opening of your nose.
    • A small electrode, similar to a band-aide will be placed on one of your fingers. This electrode measures the oxygen concentration of your red blood cells. It tells us how well you are exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. If your level is too low, an alarm will sound. You will be encouraged to breath deeper and with more chest expansion.
    • You will be connected to an EKG monitor by patch electrodes placed at specific locations across your chest and upper body area. This will monitor your heart rhythm.
    • An automatic blood pressure cuff will take your blood pressure frequently. You might experience a tightening and releasing to your arm where this is placed.
    • The IV infusion will continue.
    • For pain control, you will be given a patient controlled analgesic device (PCA). This medication is infused through an IV. You will have control of a button that you can push and it will deliver your pain medicine through the IV line.

  • You will have some tubes coming out of your body.
    • During surgery, the doctors will place a drain on the left side of your abdomen. This is called a Jackson Pratt (JP) drain. This drain helps to eliminate the collection of fluid in the abdomen. It also helps the bariatric team know if you are healing normally. This drain is removed after you go home (about 10 days after surgery).
    • A Foley catheter will be placed in surgery. This catheter empties the contents of your bladder. This allows for precise measurement of the urinary output. This will be removed the day after surgery.
    • There will be a Naso gastric tube in your nose. This tube goes from your nose into your stomach. It is important because it drains stomach gases and stomach juices. This allows for the incision to begin healing. This will be removed two days after surgery.
  • Your legs will be wrapped around the calf area with alternating pressure devices. This action prevents blood from pooling in the lower extremity and developing a blood clot. These stockings will be applied when you are in bed or resting in a chair.

 


Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.

 

Related Links
Request an Appointment Online or call
800-789-PENN (7366)
HUP Visitor Information
Watch Penn Vital Signs - Bariatric Surgery Special
Bariatric Surgery Care Guide
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
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