How Long Does It Take To Recover Completely From Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

How Long Does It Take To Recover Completely From Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

With the rising cases of obesity worldwide, more and more people are resorting to weight loss surgery to achieve their ideal body weight. People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 and above or those who are 100 pounds overweight are ideal candidates for gastric sleeve surgery.

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery approves gastric sleeve surgery as a safe and effective weight loss surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a small sleeve or tube-shaped stomach.

Read on to learn how gastric sleeve surgery works and how you will recover post the treatment.

How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work?

Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), it is a weight-loss surgery in which the stomach is reduced to about 15% of its original size. This smaller stomach is then closed off with staples, leaving a long, narrow tube (or sleeve). The surgery takes about two hours and is usually done laparoscopically, so only a few small incisions are made.

One Day After the Surgery

24 hours after the surgery, patients can eat and drink again. However, they are only allowed to have clear liquids at first and then progress to full liquids and finally solid foods. Patients should expect to feel tired and experience some pain during this time. As the incisions heal, patients may also have swelling, bruising, and drainage.

You may not be allowed to lift anything heavier than five pounds for two weeks. And it’s essential to avoid any strenuous activity, such as jogging or aerobics, during the first month of recovery.

2 Weeks Post the Surgery

Most patients report feeling great just two weeks after surgery. You’ll be on a liquids-only diet for the first week or so, and then you can start slowly adding solid foods back into your diet. You’ll likely have some abdominal pain and bloating during this time, but it should subside within a few days. You’ll also need to be careful about not overeating, as your stomach is still healing and can’t handle large amounts of food at one time.

At this point, you should be able to return to your normal activities, though you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity for the first few weeks.

During the initial few weeks, you will likely experience pain and discomfort as your body adjusts to the new changes. You may also have trouble sleeping and may feel irritable or depressed. These are all normal reactions to such a major surgery and should subside within a few weeks.

One Month

After a month of undergoing bariatric surgery in Tijuana, you will see a significant change in your physical appearance and eating habits. You will have to start following a strict diet and exercise regime as recommended by your doctor. You may have to take vitamins and supplements to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. It is essential to stick to this plan to avoid any complications and to ensure a successful recovery.

If you want to choose a gastric sleeve in Tijuana, contact Dr. Ramos Kelly. Our clinic is one of the best in Mexico for bariatric surgeries, and our team of professionals will ensure you have a smooth and successful surgery.

About Me
Dr. Ramos Kelly MD, FACS - FASMBS

Dr. Ramos Kelly is a respected and highly experienced bariatric and metabolic surgeon who has been featured internationally.

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