- Usually one to a few days in hospital.
- Rivierenland: home the day after surgery if possible.
- Day of surgery: clear fluids only.
- You learn to give the daily thrombosis injection.
- Bring your CPAP or MRA if you use one.
What happens between surgery and discharge?
After the recovery room you go to the ward, where you are monitored. The head of the bed is raised to about thirty degrees and you are encouraged to move soon to prevent thrombosis. On the day of surgery you may only drink clear fluids such as water and tea without sugar.
The next day liquid food starts in small portions, at Rivierenland a 30 millilitre medicine cup of yoghurt, custard or apple sauce, three times in the morning. From that moment the lifelong advice applies not to drink in the half hour before and after a meal.
When are you allowed to go home?
The team checks a few fixed points: whether you drink enough, whether pain is controlled with painkillers without NSAIDs, and whether there are no signs of complications such as a fast heartbeat, fever or increasing abdominal pain. You also learn to give the thrombosis injection you use daily at home.
What to bring and arrange
Bring your CPAP or MRA if you use one for sleep apnoea; Rivierenland asks for this explicitly. Bring your medication list, comfortable clothes and something to do. Arrange transport home, because you may not drive in the first 24 hours after anaesthesia.
At home, many centres send a digital questionnaire and give a phone number for medical questions; Rivierenland sends the questionnaire by email. Use that number when in doubt, rather too early than too late.
What speeds up discharge and what delays it
Advantages
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Walking early | good against thrombosis |
| Small sips | prevents nausea |
| Pain under control | without NSAIDs |
| Transport arranged | no driving for 24 hours |
Points of attention
| Point of attention | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Not drinking enough | delays discharge |
| Fever or fast heartbeat | needs checking |
| Increasing abdominal pain | report immediately |
| Forgetting CPAP | bring it if you use one |
Cost and insurance (2026)
The hospital stay is part of the covered pathway.
| Item | Amount or arrangement |
|---|---|
| Hospital stay | covered, €385 deductible 2026 |
| Thrombosis injections | prescribed, covered |
| Transport home | own arrangement |
Hospital stay: key figures
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical stay | 1 to a few days |
| Rivierenland | home the day after surgery if possible |
| Head of bed | about 30 degrees |
| First liquid portion | 30 ml cup |
| No driving | first 24 hours |
Discharge checklist
| Check | Why | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking enough | prevents dehydration | nurse |
| Pain controlled | without NSAIDs | doctor |
| No fever or fast heartbeat | rules out complications | doctor |
| Injection training | thrombosis prevention | nurse |
Step by step
- Recovery room. Monitoring after the operation.
- Ward. Walking, clear fluids.
- Day 1. Liquid food, injection training.
- Discharge check. Drinking, pain, no complications.
- Home. Questionnaire and helpline.
Read next
- The operation — duration and risks
- Recovery at home — week by week
- Diet after surgery — phases
- Is it major surgery? — the honest answer
The first days at home
Plan the first days calmly. You may walk straight away, but heavy lifting, swimming and work come later; with an office job you can often start a few hours after about two weeks, according to Vitalys. Keep the medical helpline number of your centre within reach.
A packing list for the hospital
Bring your ID and insurance card, a list of your medication, comfortable loose clothing, slippers, toiletries, a phone charger and something to read. If you use a CPAP or MRA for sleep apnoea, bring it along. Leave valuables at home.
Also arrange things at home before you go: someone to drive you home, groceries that fit the liquid and puréed phase, and help with lifting and household tasks for the first weeks, because you may not lift more than 2.5 kilograms.
Communicating in hospital as an expat
Most Dutch nurses and doctors speak English, but written instructions may be in Dutch. Ask for an explanation in English if something is unclear, especially about medication, the thrombosis injection and when to call. Write down the helpline number before you leave the ward.
After you get home
In the first days at home, walk several times a day, keep drinking small sips outside mealtimes and give the thrombosis injection at the same time every day. Rest when you need to; fatigue is normal in the first weeks because you eat much less.
If you have questions after discharge, write them down and ask them during the first phone contact or check-up, unless they are urgent; then call the helpline straight away.
Going home by public transport?
Driving yourself is not allowed in the first 24 hours after anaesthesia. If nobody can pick you up, ask the ward about a taxi; travelling alone by public transport right after discharge is not advisable.
Frequently asked questions about the hospital stay
Usually one to a few days. At Ziekenhuis Rivierenland patients go home the day after surgery, after lunch, if medically possible.
On the day of surgery only clear fluids. The next day small portions of liquid food, such as a 30 ml cup of yoghurt or apple sauce.
When you drink enough, pain is under control and there are no signs of complications.
Yes, if you use a CPAP or MRA for sleep apnoea, bring it.
No, not in the first 24 hours after anaesthesia. Arrange transport.
Yes, a daily thrombosis injection. A nurse teaches you how.
It is part of the standard ward protocol after this operation at Ziekenhuis Rivierenland; ask the nurses if you want to know more about the reasons in your situation.
Many centres send a digital questionnaire and give you a phone number for medical questions.
Call the medical helpline of your centre, especially with fever, increasing pain or if you cannot drink.
Visiting rules differ per hospital; ask your centre in advance.
Call +31 6 38048347 (Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00) or email info@maagverkleining-info.nl. This page is also available in Dutch.
Sources
- Ziekenhuis Rivierenland: patient information
- Vitalys (Rijnstate): FAQ
Search terms leading here: hospital stay after gastric bypass, how long in hospital weight loss surgery, discharge after gastric sleeve.
Author: Gijs Bodenstaff. Last reviewed: September 2026.