Things You Should Do After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery can help you lose a lot of weight. While any surgery can have complications, the risks are low with this one. However, if you aren't careful after surgery, you could have complications. You must follow the recommended recovery plan from your doctor. Here are some things you should do after gastric sleeve surgery and why following instructions is important.

Do Some Activity

Rest when you feel tired, but try to get some light activity every day. It will speed up the recovery process. Don't try to do anything strenuous until your doctor says otherwise. Be especially careful with exercises that put pressure or strain on the abdomen, like weight lifting.

Take Time Off if Necessary

You should be able to return to a desk job or light duty soon after your surgery, often within a week. However, you may need to wait with more strenuous physical jobs. Your doctor will advise you as to how long you should take off for your job. The healing process should be well underway before you go back for physical work.

Begin Eating Slowly

When you first get home, the doctor will likely put you on a strict liquid diet. Then, you may move on to soft food for a while. You want your stomach's incision to heal, so don't overfill it. Also, your digestive system will need to become used to its new structure. You will probably have digestive issues for a while after the surgery.

See a Dietitian

While gastric sleeve doesn't have the same nutrition issues as gastric bypass, you should still seek dietary advice. You might be surprised to find out that you need to limit many foods from your diet, at least while you heal. You may also need to add foods back slowly and eat more frequent meals.

Take Prescribed Medications

Your doctor may give you medications for pain and to reduce your chance of infection. Avoid taking medications like aspirin without your doctor's approval. Don't take any new medications without your doctor's advice as well.

Following the restrictions and after-treatment plan allows your body to heal correctly. Plus, it reduces life-long problems. If you don't follow them, you won't get the results you want, and you could suffer health issues.

For example, if you eat solid food too soon, you risk having cramps, nausea, and vomiting. You could risk suture rupturing if you eat too much or perform strenuous activity too soon. If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery, talk to your doctor and surgeon about all the risks during and after the surgery.

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