There is no evidence-based practice that shows using a straw will be harmful to you. There is a small amount of air at the top of the straw that might get sucked into your stomach each time you take a sip. Air in your stomach can cause some pain. That space would be better used for something nutritious instead of air, so we suggest not using a straw for at least the first 6 weeks post-surgery.
Gum is made from a rubber base, and we humans do not metabolize or digest rubber. We suggest no chewing gum for the first six weeks post-surgery. If you accidentally swallow a piece of gum, it will pass through your system the natural way.
Our recommendation is to not drink water or any thin liquid 15 minutes before meals and 30 minutes after meals. Think of your protein shakes as food for the first 6 weeks post-surgery. The whole point is to leave the foods, soups, and shakes in your stomach longer and metabolize normally. If you drink with your meals, you will basically “flush” the food through the stomach quicker, and this may create an issue with cramping and diarrhea. By not drinking with meals, you will feel fuller longer too, so it helps with hunger.
Yes, of course. You want to make sure that they are not bigger than one-third the size of a dime. If they can be broken into, then that may be fine to do, but do not open capsules or break enteric coated pills unless directed to do so by your doctor.
You need to shower daily.
For soaking tub use (bath tub, hot tub) and swimming, wait until all your incisions are healed up and closed so bacteria does not get inside. Usually that will take 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.
Move a little more slowly for the first 6 weeks post-surgery. Avoid hot showers, and if you are taking medications for blood pressure or that make you feel tired, be sure to check with your doctor at home because you may need to adjust the dose or stop them altogether. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, because even slight dehydration can cause dizziness.
We suggest waiting 2 weeks post-surgery to drive. Certain medications for pain and reduced caloric intake can affect your mentation, so it is best to take precautions and not drive for a couple weeks after surgery.
If you wore them before, or were instructed by your doctor at home to wear them, then follow the doctor’s instructions. For the sake of weight loss surgery, you should wear them until you are ambulatory and mobile and can avoid long periods of sitting or lying down.
Make sure to discuss this with the surgeon while you are in Tijuana. It is very important to have a plan, because you may not need to restart certain medications after surgery.
Usually right after surgery the doctors want you to walk as much as possible. Little by little, you will gradually increase your level and duration of exercise. Walking or using a treadmill or stationary bike is fine for the first month post-surgery. Remember: no lifting, pushing, or pulling over 20 pounds for the first 6 weeks post-surgery.
It depends on your specific job, but usually you can return to work within 2 weeks. Some jobs that are more physically demanding (e.g. police officer, truck driver, construction worker, etc.) may require a longer time away. Remember: no lifting, pushing, or pulling over 20 pounds for the first 6 weeks post-surgery.
Usually we say to let your incisions breathe a bit, and waist trainers may make you feel uncomfortable, but you are typically permitted to wear a soft and stretchy abdominal binder.
We begin sending post-op emails when you arrive home after your surgery. Sometimes these get deleted or sent to your spam folder. If you find that these messages are getting caught in your spam or junk folders, add cindy@eliasortiz.co to your whitelist.
