Gastric sleeve surgery is a significant step toward achieving healthy, long-term weight loss and improved health. However, the surgery is just the beginning. Proper gastric sleeve aftercare is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery.
Quality aftercare ensures you heal well, adapt to your new lifestyle, and maximize the procedure’s benefits. Here are our tips for gastric sleeve aftercare that will provide a smooth recovery.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions Closely
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions tailored to your needs, including dietary guidelines, activity restrictions, and medication management. Adhering to these recommendations is critical for preventing complications and successful recovery.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is an important part of the healing process for any surgery — and it’s no different for sleeve surgery. After the procedure, you’ll likely need to be on an all-liquid diet at first. This means avoiding fat or fibre and sticking with nutritious drinks like protein shakes, low-fat milk and electrolyte drinks.
Keeping your body hydrated helps reduce the risk of constipation, nausea and other digestive issues.
Focus on Protein-Rich Foods
Protein plays a vital role in gastric sleeve aftercare. It helps with the healing process and maintains muscle mass after surgery. Aim for at least 80 grams of protein per day. In the early stages of your recovery, protein shakes and supplements may be necessary to meet your goals.
As you progress to solid foods, prioritize lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs. Protein should be the first nutrient consumed at each meal, followed by vegetables and fruits.
Incorporate Vitamins and Supplements
Due to the reduced size of your stomach, obtaining all the necessary nutrients from food alone can be challenging. A comprehensive multivitamin is most appropriate for ensuring you receive the right mix of vitamins, calcium and Iron. Our surgeons, dieticians and your family doctor together can advise you to ensure you are nutritionally complete!
Regular Physical Activity
Physical activity is a crucial part of your recovery and long-term weight management, with a specific focus on preserving muscle mass. Begin with light activities like walking once your surgeon clears you, typically within a few days post-op.
Walking boosts circulation, lowers the risk of blood clots, and alleviates discomfort. As you continue to heal, gradually increase your activity level, incorporating strength training and cardiovascular exercises. These are essential not only for improving fitness but also for building and maintaining muscle mass.
At around the two-month mark, transitioning to strength training becomes critical. While the exercises don’t need to be strenuous, they should involve consistent isometric exercises. This shift is important to prevent weight loss-related sarcopenia, or muscle mass loss, which can occur during rapid weight reduction. Maintaining muscle is essential to your overall health and helps support a more sustainable long-term weight loss outcome.
Listen to Your Body
When recovering from bariatric sleeve surgery, it’s essential to listen to your body and prioritize self-care. Stay hydrated, follow your vitamin regimen, and engage in light physical activities like walking, but always respect your body’s limits. In the first few weeks, avoid overexerting yourself and keep your physical activity minimal. If you feel tired or fatigued, take breaks or rest when needed.
Equally important is attending to your mental well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or mentally drained, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Regular check-ins with your healthcare team—whether it’s your family doctor, surgeon, dietitian, or mental health provider—can help ensure you’re on the right track. Recovery is a balance of staying active, nourishing your body, and knowing when to slow down and ask for help.
Monitor Your Emotional Health
Gastric sleeve aftercare is not just a physical journey. It’s also an emotional one. Patients can experience a range of emotions, from excitement and relief to anxiety and frustration. It’s important to recognize that these feelings are normal and seek support when needed.
If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or body image issues, don’t hesitate to speak with a mental health professional. Reach out to us and we will connect you with our trusted mental health colleagues.They can provide coping strategies and help you navigate the emotional aspects of your weight loss journey.
At MyLife Bariatrics, our comprehensive Aftercare program focuses on the emotional and physical for a holistic healing experience.
Trust the Process
Recovery from gastric sleeve surgery is a gradual process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Weight loss is not always linear; it happens in steps, but each step forward is a meaningful choice for your long-term health. This journey isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about giving yourself the freedom to live your life to the fullest, without weight as a limitation. Whether it’s spending quality time with your family, being more active, or simply feeling better day-to-day, every small victory brings you closer to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Stay focused on your goals and remember that steady progress is not only healthy but also more sustainable for your future.
MyLife Bariatrics Enhanced Gastric Sleeve Aftercare
These essential gastric sleeve aftercare tips will guide you through a smooth recovery and set the stage for long-term success. By making mindful choices and prioritizing your health, you are taking a powerful step towards a healthier, happier life.
At MyLife Bariatrics, our comprehensive AfterCare program is designed to give you the support and confidence you need. Our team of experienced surgeons and dedicated dietitians are experts in the field, guiding you every step of the way. You can trust that you’re in capable hands, with a team committed to your success and well-being, ensuring you feel fully supported before, during, and after surgery.
Book a consultation with us today or call MyLife Bariatrics at (416) 249-7899. You can also visit mylifebariatrics.com and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.