Gastric sleeve surgery is a permanent weight loss surgery option that shrinks a patient’s stomach and helps them lose weight. In order to be fully prepared it is important to do the proper research on what to do before and after gastric sleeve surgery. The following list will provide some tips on what to do before and after a gastric sleeve surgery. Before Surgery: 1. Change your diet. Because a gastric sleeve is such a serious procedure, it is a good idea to prepare the body for living this way. Two weeks before surgery you have to start a liquid-only diet, in order to shrink your liver and make surgery safer. 2. Change your grocery list. Making sure you can make protein-rich liquid meals for before and after your surgery; it can take a long time before you are able to eat solids. You'll need a lot of clear soups and broths, skim milk, sugar-free clear jello and Popsicles. 3. Stop smoking. Quit smoking up to a month before your surgery; it will ensure your post operative recovery is sped up and your risk of surgery-related complications will be reduced. If you do not quit smoking your doctor may refuse to perform the surgery altogether. 4. Ensure your wardrobe is suitable. This type of surgery will leave your body very tender; loose clothing is a must and slip on shoes can really help too. It's also a good idea to ensure you have some "transition" clothing, which will fit you at various stages as you lose weight. You will lose weight rapidly in the beginning so it is cost-effective to use old clothes that don't fit right now or to buy some from a charity shop. 5. Prepare your hospital bag. Gastric sleeve surgery requires an overnight hospital stay, though you will probably be resting for most of it. Pack anything you may need to be comfortable. 6. Prepare your support group. It's important to educate your family and make sure you have people around to help out during your healing process. You will need both mental and physical support throughout this journey. Your doctor may encourage you to join a support group, either in person or online, such as RealSelf. It's also important that you have a lot of support from your immediate family. 7. Arrange transportation and bring a pillow. Make sure you have transportation arranged for going home. You shouldn't be driving that soon after your operation and it will be painful. Also, take a pillow for the ride home and place it over your abdomen. Holding it somewhat tightly will help stop the pain from going over uneven surfaces and bumps in the road. 8. Get prepared. Get prescriptions early if possible, make sure the house is cleaned, laundry is done, meals are cooked and frozen ahead of time, and things like over-the-counter medication and stool softeners have been purchased. 9. Know the facts. Make sure you find out from your surgeon what a gastric sleeve surgery entails so you know exactly what is about to happen. Knowing can reduce fear and anxiety associated with the procedure. 10. Protein, protein, protein. You'll need protein after surgery, so get used to it pre-op. Take the period before surgery to find out which protein powders you do and do not like. Also, find out which protein rich foods you will be able to incorporate into your diet without adding too many extra calories and stock up your pantry! After Surgery: 1. Follow the diet stages set out by your doctor. If you try to eat solid foods too soon or begin to eat foods high in fats and sugars, you could risk harming yourself or damaging your stomach. You will certainly experience some uncomfortable side effects such as nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. 2. Do not go back to work until you are ready. The recovery time will vary, but generally after gastric sleeve surgery has taken place it takes about 2 weeks before a person is healed enough to work. You should also be on light duties only when you first return to work. Walking around is good exercise, but no heavy lifting! 3. Never miss your check-ups. Making sure you see your physician long into your recovery period is important to ensure you are healing correctly. It will also keep you on the right path with diet, exercise and your weight loss goals. 4. Exercise when you can. It may take some time before you can exercise fully but it is important to strengthen your muscles and get back to walking as soon as possible, so your body can strengthen and begin to cope with having less of a caloric intake per day while remaining functional. 5. Continue to educate yourself. Find new recipes you can make so that food doesn’t become boring after your surgery. Your tastes will change, so try new things or even things you once disliked; you may love them now. Your body will be a great educator, you just need to learn to listen to it. 6. Know when to ask for help. During the initial recovery phase it can be difficult to move and to get things done. Make sure you get plenty of rest and have a good support network during these times. 7. Follow your prescription. Do not try and wean yourself off of medication early. Be sure to follow your prescription and let your doctor know if you are feeling any discomfort. If you have diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure it may be that this surgery cures you. However, let your doctor make that decision. 8. Take multivitamins regularly. Before you get into a routine it can be tough to get all of the correct nutrition from just food alone. Take multivitamins to ensure you are getting the right nutrients; your doctor will be able to specify which particular vitamins you need. This will be a lifelong habit that you need to form, so start early. 9. Track your calories. Keeping your total calories at about 600-800 a day will ensure your weight loss is a success. Make sure you aren’t ingesting foods which are high in calories, sugar or fat either. Always make sure you speak to your doctor about how many calories you will need each day. They know you and your body and will give you a specific target catered to your particular needs. 10. Don't drink your calories. Only drink low-calorie drinks such as water, sugar-free juices and unsweetened ice tea. Don't drink any form of soda -- which can stretch your new pouch because of the gasses -- and never drink alcohol after surgery. Source
