A gastric sleeve procedure is a major weight-loss surgery. It’s designed to help people who are obese or morbidly obese lose weight quickly and safely. But like any surgical procedure, it does come with a period of recovery after the surgery. Therefore, it’s important to understand what this recovery process looks like and how you can best take care of yourself during this time. Here, we’ll discuss the recovery process after gastric sleeve surgery and what you can expect. Below are the key points to keep in mind.
Pain and Discomfort
You will experience some pain and discomfort after your surgery, which is normal. Your doctor may prescribe medications for pain relief and recommend lifestyle changes such as rest and eating a high-protein diet to help you recover. Thus, it is essential to keep track of your pain and discomfort levels and report any significant changes to your doctor. You may also be advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and other tasks that might pressure your abdomen.
Mobility
Immediately following surgery, you may have difficulty getting around due to the drowsiness from anesthesia and the physical effects of surgery. It’s important to start moving as soon as possible to help prevent the formation of blood clots, reduce swelling, and speed up your recovery. Start with simple exercises such as walking or arm circles to get your body moving again.
Apart from this, there are many other exercises that your doctor may recommend to help you regain muscle strength and mobility. You may also check out how long to wait for sex after gastric sleeve so that you can know when it is safe to resume sexual activity. Anything that is physically taxing should be talked over with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Diet
Your diet is an essential part of the recovery process after gastric sleeve surgery. You will need to transition to a smaller, healthier diet to lose weight and maintain your health. This should include plenty of protein-rich foods such as chicken, fish, and lean meats, as well as fruits and vegetables. You may also need vitamin supplements to help with healing and nutrition. All in all, following your doctor’s instructions regarding nutrition and diet is essential to ensure an optimal recovery.
Follow-Up Visits
Your doctor will likely recommend attending follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure the gastric sleeve functions as intended. These visits involve measuring your weight and vital signs and discussing any lifestyle changes that need to be made. It would help if you took these follow-up visits seriously to ensure a successful recovery. In this case, choosing an experienced doctor for gastric sleeve in St Louis is the key as they will be able to guide you through the recovery process and ensure a successful outcome.
To Conclude
The recovery process after gastric sleeve surgery is essential to the weight loss journey. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that you may experience some pain, difficulty moving around, and changes in your diet in the weeks after surgery. Visiting your doctor for regular follow-ups is also essential to successful recovery. With proper care and guidance, you can expect a full recovery from your gastric sleeve procedure.