Bariatric surgery in Cancún · Day 3 of 7
Day 3 after bariatric surgery in Cancún
Usually your first day in the recovery hotel. Walk a little every hour or two. Sip fluids all day: it is the hardest and most important job this week.
Short answer
On day 3 after bariatric surgery in Cancún:
- Not today Lifting · Food and drink · Baths, pools and the sea · Flying home
- With care Walking · Fluids, heat and sun · Car rides and long waits
Good options today: Maya Museum of Cancún, Mercado 28, Glass-bottom boat or lagoon cruise.
Today's rules
Walking
Gentle walking matters. Build up gradually towards 30 minutes a day, at a pace that leaves you slightly out of breath.
Source: North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol Bariatric Service · NHS
Lifting
Avoid heavy lifting for at least two months after abdominal surgery. Let your companion carry bags.
Food and drink
Liquids only in weeks 1 to 4, then puréed food, then soft food. Food tours and restaurant meals are for your companion.
Source: NHS
Fluids, heat and sun
Keep your fluids up. Stay in the shade at midday, because sun and heat make it harder to stay hydrated on small sips.
Baths, pools and the sea
Showers are fine. Avoid baths and swimming until the wounds have fully healed, about 6 weeks.
Car rides and long waits
On journeys or queues longer than about an hour, get out and move. Long sitting raises the risk of blood clots after surgery.
Source: NHS
Flying home
The CDC advises medical tourists not to fly for at least 10 days after chest or abdominal surgery. Ask your surgeon for written travel clearance.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · NHS
Confirm with your surgeon. These are general activity limits from published aftercare guidance. Your clinic's written instructions always come first, and they may be stricter or looser for your procedure.
4 things you can do today
Maya Museum of Cancún
Mayan artefacts and the San Miguelito ruins in the Hotel Zone, partly indoors.
Gentle walking, some open-air walking, about 2 hours
Mercado 28
Downtown's covered crafts market with cheap local restaurants around it.
Gentle walking, shaded or covered, about 1.5 hours
Glass-bottom boat or lagoon cruise
See the reef or the lagoon from a seated boat, no snorkel needed.
Seated, some open-air walking, about 2 hours
Interactive Aquarium Cancún
An indoor aquarium in La Isla mall.
Gentle walking, indoors, about 1.5 hours
Also fine today: Hop-on hop-off bus
2 things to skip today
Chichén Itzá day trip
Why not: Too much walking and effort for this stage. Too long in direct sun for this stage. It involves swimming or water contact. About 2.5 hours each way is too long a ride for this stage.
Not during the 7 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Coco Bongo show
Why not: It is built around alcohol.
Not during the 7 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Where to eat
You: liquids only, exactly as your bariatric team planned. Carry your fluids with you and sip all day.
Your companion:
- Fish tacos Downtown. Soft tortillas and grilled or battered fish around Parque de las Palapas.
- Tacos al pastor. Spit-roasted pork with pineapple. Order with mild salsa.
- Ceviche on tostadas. Fresh ceviche, often served on crunchy tostadas: ask for crackers or a bowl instead.
Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates