Gastric sleeve recovery: how long does it take and what should you keep in mind?

Are you concerned about gastric sleeve recovery time? Are you considering having a gastric sleeve procedure? gastric sleevebut you don't know how long it will take you to fully recover? In this post, we will tell you about it.

If you are interested in how long gastric sleeve recovery takes, read on.

You may be interested in: Pros and cons of the gastric sleeve

How long does the gastric sleeve recovery take?

Full recovery from a gastric sleeve takes 4 to 6 weeks.. However, it is usual that in about two weeks most patients are almost completely recovered. They can then resume their activities and return to work.

That's right, after the operation you may have to spend between 1 and 3 days in the hospital. At that time, your bariatric surgeon and other specialists will monitor your progress and make sure everything is in order.

In general, the recovery time for a gastric sleeve is usually much shorter than for a gastric sleeve. gastric bypasswhich represents one of the most important main benefits of gastric sleeve.

How long does it take for the stomach to deflate after a gastric sleeve?

Inflammation of the stomach after a gastric sleeve may last for several days. Generally, stomach will be much more swollen for the first three daysand then it will go down. After one week, the swelling is noticeably reduced.as pointed out by the leading bariatric center LIMARP.

However, keep in mind that your stomach will not be completely deflated until it is 100% recovered from the incisions of the gastric sleeve surgery. And at least two weeks must pass for that.

10 tips to improve recovery after gastric sleeve surgery

If you want your recovery from a gastric sleeve to be optimal, it is important that you keep these tips in mind. They will help you recover faster and avoid risks:

Stick to the postoperative diet.

After a gastric sleeve you will have to follow a strict diet. This will be defined by your bariatric surgeon and his team of specialists. Following it to the letter is crucial not only for your recovery, but also so that you do not suffer a relapse.

2. Get moving to speed recovery

Although it is not recommended that you do any type of physical exertion, it is healthy for you to be active. To do so, walk for 5 minutes at home every day.

Once you get used to walking those 5 minutes, increase your walks at home to 10 minutes, and then to 15 minutes.

In this way, you will help your body recover from the operation more quickly.

3. Do not exert yourself until several weeks later

Above all, avoid physical exertion and carrying objects, even if they are not very heavy. Any type of effort, especially if it involves your abdomen, can cause health complications and worsen the postoperative symptoms of the gastric sleeve.

Keep in mind that after a gastric sleeve you will have incisions that will need time to heal. If you exert yourself physically, you may reopen the wounds, or cause further health complications.

4. Do not rush recovery

Recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks.

Adhering to your bariatric surgeon's advice, eating well and taking care of yourself is essential to your recovery, and may shorten the time you need to heal, but don't put pressure on yourself.

The gastric sleeve is a surgical procedure, and therefore, you will need time for your body to heal completely. It is best not to force the recovery and let your body recover at its own pace.

5. Attend all follow-up checkups 

Follow-up checkups with your bariatric surgeon are essential to ensure that you are recovering properly, and that there are no serious problems or complications that you are overlooking.

In addition, based on the evolution of your recovery, your bariatric surgeon can suggest actions to speed it up, to avoid discomfort or to solve any discomfort you may be feeling in relation to the surgery. 

6. Have the help of specialized personnel or family and friends during recovery.

It is important that you have people around you who can help you with household chores and day-to-day tasks, at least during the first few days of recovery.

Remember that you cannot exert yourself in any way, such as lifting heavy objects, walking long distances or making any movement that may put stress on your abdomen.

7. Avoid sugary drinks

After the gastric sleeve you will have to keep a strict control of the calories you ingest, and that includes the calories you get from sugary drinks. For this reason, it's a good idea to avoid them altogether, so you ensure that the calories you consume per day are taken in with much more nutritious foods.

In addition, sugary drinks are usually harmful to your body, starting with your stomach, so it is best to avoid them anyway if you have just had bariatric surgery such as gastric sleeve.

8. Control your calorie intake

Controlling your calorie intake is essential for the gastric sleeve to have the desired effects on your body and achieve weight loss. That is why your bariatric surgeon not only performs the surgery, but also defines a diet that you must follow to achieve the results you are looking for.

The gastric sleeve can lose almost all of its effectiveness if you do not watch your diet, and in many cases you will throw away any progress if you maintain unhealthy eating habits. 

9. Take a multivitamin

After a gastric sleeve you will feel less hungry and you will fill up on less food, this also means that your body will receive less nutrients than usual. 

To make sure your body has the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly, it is a good idea to take a multivitamin and supplement your diet.

This will also help your body get what it needs to recover from the surgery you just underwent.

10. Follow your bariatric surgeon's instructions.

The recovery of a gastric sleeve is a delicate process, you can have several types of ailments while recovering, or suffer any complication. 

To minimize risks of gastric sleeve and make sure that you recover at 100%, it is essential that you follow your bariatric surgeon's instructions to the letter.

Do not miss check-ups, stick to the diet that defines you and share with your bariatric surgeon any doubt, unexpected event, symptom or irregularity that you notice. In this way, your bariatrician will be able to help you to make your recovery as satisfactory and fast as possible.

As you can see, you can do a lot to ensure an effective gastric sleeve recovery.. Although it may seem complicated, if you have a good bariatric surgeon, the process can be as simple as it is safe.

Have you been thinking about having a gastric sleeve? It has many advantages, of all the weight loss surgeries, the most important is the gastric sleeve. gastric sleeve price is one of the lowest, and it is also one of the safest and fastest. Just take a look at some of the differences between the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass to note the advantages that make the gastric sleeve so popular.