Physical Activity in the Immediate Postoperative Phase in Patients Undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to register the number of steps taken during the first postoperative week by patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (LRYGB) and evaluate whether goals for steps taken per day could affect the patients' physical activity level, time to first flatus and stool, days at hospital, and recovery.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients undergoing LRYGB surgery carried a step counter on the first postoperative week and recorded the number of steps taken. They also registered hours spent sitting, lying down and sleeping, assessed their level of recovery, and noted the first day of flatus and defecation. The intervention group was informed to try to reach a daily goal regarding the number of steps to be taken.

RESULTS

The patients took 2000-3000 steps/day on the first postoperative days. There were significant differences between the groups in numbers of steps taken in favor of the intervention group on four of the postoperative days. The patients in the intervention group found that the goals were set at the right level, except for the second day, where they thought 1300 steps were too few. There were no significant differences between the groups in the mean time spent sitting or lying. Neither were there any differences in time for first flatus, stool, days at hospital, nor degree of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Goals set for steps taken per day increase the amount of steps walked in patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. Step counters and predefined goals can be used to facilitate mobilization after obesity surgery.