gastric sleeve surgery
Sleeve gastrectomy, also called gastric sleeve surgery, is the world’s most popular bariatric surgery to combat obesity. Although not as invasive as other procedures like gastric bypass surgery that alter the small intestine, gastric sleeve is still a major procedure. Recovery after bariatric surgery involves significant time at home and modifications to daily life.
The Day After Surgery
Most patients who undergo laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery go home from the hospital the day after their procedure. You may feel tired, have some pain after this minimally invasive procedure, and nausea from the anesthesia. Laparoscopic gastric sleeve patients typically have five to six small incisions on their abdomen, which are sutured and covered to heal. The incision that will cause the most pain is where your bariatric surgeon removed a large portion of your stomach. This one will be the largest.
Before heading home, many members of your medical team will visit you. A radiologist will administer a swallow test to ensure that there are no leaks so you can drink water. Pain is typically moderate on the first day. You still have your IV in your arm, and it’s easy to administer pain medication as needed. Don’t forget you just had major surgery. Be sure to communicate to your nurse or bariatric surgeon what you need. Every patient responds differently. Your bariatric surgeon will give you a list of instructions to follow detailing pain medicine, your new healthy diet, and wound care when you arrive home.
One and Two Weeks Post Op
Hopefully, you have already set up a center in your home where you can relax and recuperate following metabolic and bariatric surgery. For the first few days, your throat may feel sore and swollen, and you may have a dry mouth. Alleviate the discomfort with small sips of water.
As you are no longer on IV pain medicines, you’ll switch to prescription pain medicine for discomfort. Expect increased pain every time your turn your torso. Make sure you have many pillows in different positions to offer different comfort levels. Resting the first several days after arriving home is essential as it will give your body and digestive system time to recuperate. You should also avoid lifting anything heavy for at least six weeks.
Your Initial Post-Op Diet
For approximately one week, you must consume a clear liquid diet to allow your gastric sleeve to heal. Most patients are not hungry at this point, but you’ll still begin to lose weight. Most patients are dehydrated and thirsty, so drink as much water as possible in small sips. Follow your doctor’s diet that will likely recommend broth, unsweetened juice, sugar-free gelatin, and milk. Avoid carbonated beverages and anything with caffeine, as it has a slight diuretic effect, and anything with sugar, as it could contribute to dumping syndrome and make you consume empty calories. Flavored waters are okay as long as they do not contain added sugars.
During the second week of gastric sleeve recovery, you can begin to add protein. Eat a combination of very soft and highly pureed foods, plus a clear liquid diet from the first week. Your diet may include decaffeinated coffee or tea and skim or 1% milk. Sip liquids slowly, and don’t use a straw to avoid drawing unwanted air into your stomach.
New foods you can begin to consume include:
- Sugar-free pudding
- Thinned applesauce
- Non-fat yogurt
- Very thin creamy soups
- Watery oatmeal
You can also begin to consume sugar-free protein shakes to supplement regular protein intake and nutritional needs, mixing them with non-carbonated liquid. Your appetite may increase during the second week, but eating more is unsafe as your digestive system cannot yet tolerate large amounts of food.
Pain Management
You should notice a slight decrease in pain daily. Nevertheless, that’s not a sign to completely relinquish pain medicines Talk to your doctor about your needs and pain level and gradually decrease your prescription medicine before switching to over-the-counter medicine.
Family Members
Your family may be loving and well-meaning, but they are probably bewildered, too. They may want to help you as much as possible but may have difficulty understanding your pain, emotional state, and weight loss journey. This period will be stressful for them, too.
Slowly Increase Activity
Getting up from a chair or out of bed will be difficult at first. The more you are up and walking, the better you will feel the next day. Your surgeon will want you to walk as much as possible to avoid the possibility of a blood clot, as walking boosts blood flow throughout your body. However, it will be a few weeks before your doctor okays you for a new exercise routine.
Surgical Wound Care
If your surgical wounds have strips of tape keeping them closed, leave them on for a whole week or until they fall off. Wash each area daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, as these can slow healing. Cover the area with gauze if it rubs against clothing, and keep it clean and dry.
Three to Six Weeks After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Make sure you keep up with regular doctor’s appointments during your initial recovery time to ensure that you have started losing excess weight and remain healthy.
Adding New Foods
During these weeks, you’ll progress toward your healthy diet with new eating habits, first eating soft, pureed foods and finally eating solid foods. Add solid foods one at a time to ensure you can tolerate them. Remember to chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly.
Starting Your Healthier Lifestyle
Increased physical activity after bariatric surgery is essential to achieve and maintain weight loss. When your doctor clears you, slowly develop an aerobic exercise routine that you enjoy, like swimming, biking, etc. Weight lifting to strengthen muscles will also help you lose weight.
When to Call for Help During Gastric Sleeve Recovery
Most bariatric patients don’t experience adverse effects during this period, but you’ll want to pay attention to several situations that necessitate calling for help and possibly getting doctor-prescribed antibiotics. Remember, every person recovers at their own rate. Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you notice the following:
- You have lost consciousness
- Pain that does not get better after taking pain medication
- You are nauseated and cannot drink fluids
- Inability to pass gas or bowel movements
- Loose stitches or incisions open
- You have signs of a blood clot, including pain or redness, or swelling in your legs or groin
- You have signs of infection like pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or red streaks coming from the incision
- Pus draining from the incision
- A fever
Weight Loss Surgery is Just the Beginning
Undergoing gastric sleeve surgery is only a tool to prompt weight loss. Essentially, you will have to work hard to maintain a healthy body weight for the remainder of your life. Follow-up care is essential, and consider joining a support group to make recovery easier.
