Are you considering getting gastric sleeve surgery? This can be a great solution for those who have struggled with excess weight. It can help people get their lives back from obesity and weight that will not come off. You have likely done some research as to what happens during the procedure, but you should also know what to expect during recovery from it. We have put together a gastric sleeve recovery guide below so that you know what is to come.
Preparing for Recovery from Gastric Sleeve Surgery
It’s a good idea to prepare for your recovery from gastric sleeve surgery. After you get this procedure done, you will have to make considerable lifestyle changes, and it is best if you are prepared for these transitions. When you first get surgery, you will stay in a hospital for one to three days. Because you just had considerable surgery, you will likely feel sore and may be swollen. You will receive medication to ease any discomfort and will also have your vitals regularly monitored to ensure that the surgery went smoothly. Before leaving the hospital, you will receive a lot of information regarding your recovery and recommended eating habits. Have a friend or family member help you take notes of all the important info.
Do Not Rush Your Gastric Sleeve Recovery
One of the most important things early in your recovery is to take it easy. Your gastric sleeve will be held together by staples for the first six weeks. It is critical to let it heal properly. Ideally, you should have someone there to help you at the beginning of your recovery.
You will be on an all-liquid diet for the first week or two and then graduate to pureed foods for two weeks after that. While it may be tempting, do not try to eat solid foods too early. Not only could this harm your stomach, but it can also cause vomiting, nausea, or cramps. Following the recommended diet is critical for proper recovery.
After a few weeks of liquids and pureed foods, you will be able to switch to solid foods, but you will have to greatly reduce your calorie intake. This may be difficult at first, but having a smaller stomach after surgery will naturally limit your hunger, which will make it easier. You may be tired when eating this small amount of calories, but this will improve as you are able to eat more.
When you start to feel better, you may be tempted to resume normal activities or go right back to work, but this is not advised. You need at least a couple of weeks to recover from this intensive surgery before resuming your normal daily habits. The one exception is walking. You should try to walk around as soon as you can to help avoid conditions that can arise from sitting too long, such as deep vein thrombosis. You can slowly ramp up how much walking and physical activity you engage in, but it is recommended that you recover for about a month before engaging in strenuous activity.
Thinking About Getting a Gastric Sleeve?
If you struggle with obesity and are unable to lose weight or keep it off, then a gastric sleeve may be a good option. We can help. Here at BASS Bariatric Surgery Center, we want to help you take your life back from obesity, and we offer several procedures to do so. Give us a call today for a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.
