Gastric Sleeve Can Increase Life Expectancy
Bariatric surgery helps patients drop weight through an improved diet and a better lifestyle. A combination of exercise and healthy eating results in lower blood pressure, decreased cancer risk, and can even alleviate issues with diabetes. These benefits are why so many patients visit Tijuana Bariatrics to undergo gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy).
We’d like to consider how gastric sleeve and other weight loss surgery options can improve life expectancy while also boosting overall quality of life in the process.
Chance of Death from Obesity-Related Conditions Drops Dramatically
In a study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine, it was found that weight loss surgery could reduce the risk of a patient’s death by 40% over a period of 7 years. This is a significant drop.
The study noted that fatal coronary artery disease was 56% less likely, death from diabetes or conditions related to diabetes was 92% less likely, and fatal cancer risk dropped by roughly 60%.
Additional Years of Life Are Added Thanks to Weight Loss Surgery
These reduced possibility of obesity-related illnesses/conditions is excellent, though the exact number of years that this adds to a person’s life can vary.
Some computer models show that a 45-year-old woman who is morbidly obese can potentially add 3 years to her life thanks to successful gastric sleeve surgery. It was noted in such computer models that if the same hypothetical patient were to have bariatric surgery in her 30s rather than her 40s, she could potentially add 5 years of life. Acting sooner to improve your healthy is better than later.
Other factors that could affect life expectancy come into play, of course, but because of the improvement in the overall health of your lifestyle, it’s not out of the question for a bariatric surgery patient to live longer.
Improved Quality of Life Thanks to Gastric Sleeve
Longevity isn’t the only thing gained by weight loss surgery, however.
Patients who undergo a bariatric procedure are more likely to experience a better quality of life. By losing weight and making healthier choices, a patient is more likely to feel healthy and fulfilled for years to come. This includes fewer issues with blood pressure and breathing, reduced joint problems such as arthritis later in life, and a more positive outlook overall.
Is weight loss surgery the right option for me?
There are many different options out there for people who would like to lead healthier and more enriched lives. During your consultation at our practice, we will be more than happy to assess your candidacy for weight loss surgery and help you understand the benefits of each procedure. We will work with you so that you are able to make informed choices about your surgical weight loss needs.
Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
For more information about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can help you lead a more fulfilling life, it’s important that you contact our weight loss surgery center today. Our doctors will work with you to ensure that you receive excellent medical treatment that helps you lose weight safely and quickly.
Fertility, Pregnancy, and Childbirth After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
When patients visit Tijuana Bariatrics, they receive all the information they need to make a smart decision about their health and wellness. Our team of weight loss surgery specialists take great care when addressing issues about gastric sleeve surgery and other surgical weight loss options.
While patients can expect to be healthier after gastric sleeve is performed, there is also a chance that their fertility may be improved. Let’s consider issues related to fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth in a bit more detail right now.
Gastric Sleeve Can Improve Your Fertility
Studies have found that infertility issues related to obesity and morbid obesity can be addressed through healthy weight loss. For instance, many obese women have issues with ovulation and their cycle related to their obesity. Studies have found that roughly 70% of obese women who underwent bariatric surgery had an improved cycle and normal ovulation.
Gastric Sleeve Can Reduce Pregnancy Complications in Obese Women
When an obese woman becomes pregnant, she faces a number of potential health issues as a result of her health and wellness. This includes the following health and wellness conditions:
- Chest infections
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Problems with pelvic joints
- Depression
- Childbirth complications
Thanks to bariatric surgery procedures such as gastric sleeve, the weight loss experienced will reduce the possibility of these issues occurring as a result of pregnancy.
It’s Important to Wait After Surgery Before Attempting to Have a Baby
A person’s body goes through some dramatic changes after bariatric surgery is performed. This rapid weight loss and major adjustment in lifestyle could potentially have a negative impact on a developing baby, which is why it’s important to wait at least 18 months after gastric sleeve surgery to attempt to have a child. This is a conservative and cautious estimate.
Issues Regarding Nutrition While Pregnant
An important concern when it comes to pregnancy is proper nutrition and a healthy diet. Because of the changes in eating habits and certain limitations in your diet, it’s very important that you eat right and properly while pregnant to prevent any health issues or nutritional deficiencies in your child.
In those early visits with your OB/GYN, be sure to let him or her know that you have undergone weight loss surgery so that a good diet plan can be created to meet your needs and the needs of the baby.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Will Not Affect Your Ability to Breastfeed
Weight loss surgery will not affect your ability to breastfeed your baby. Issues regarding your nutrition will need to be considered given your diet, but with careful consideration of what you eat, you and your child should be generally fine.
Discuss Your Concerns with Your Doctor
If you have any further questions about fertility and pregnancy after weight loss surgery, it’s of the utmost importance that you discuss them with your doctor. He or she will be able to go over these matters in greater detail and help you make the best decisions with regard to your overall health and wellness. Our team can similarly provide some pointers when it comes to these matters.
Learn More About Gastric Sleeve at Tijuana Bariatrics
For more information about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle overall, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today. The team here at Tijuana Bariatrics will help you make the best choices when it comes to your weight loss surgery options.
Gastric Sleeve and BMI Requirements
When patients come to Tijuana Bariatrics, they know that they will receive all the information they need to make smart decisions about bariatric procedures. Careful guidance throughout the treatment process is crucial for successful treatment and patient satisfaction.
Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is a very effective and popular option for surgical weight loss. Many patients wonder if there is a body mass index (BMI) requirement for the procedure. Let’s consider these matters in more detail right now.
About Body Mass Index (BMI)
The body mass index (BMI) is a ratio that takes into account your height and your weight in order to determine if you are in an ideal weight range. An ideal weight range is typically in the 18.5 to 25 range. A BMI between 25.1 to 30 would signal that you are overweight. A BMI greater than 30 means that you are obese. The higher the number, the greater the degree of your obesity.
There are some flaws with BMI to consider since some people may be in great health but are considered overweight by this ratio. For instance, if you are an athlete with a lot of muscle mass, your BMI might be in the overweight or even the obese range. This is why there are other metrics to consider when assessing your overall health.
That said, athletes are an anomaly and not like most of the regular population, which is why BMI is still a good measure in general for assessing wellness and weight.
What BMI is common for weight loss surgery?
In order to qualify for weight loss surgery such as gastric sleeve, it’s generally common for patients to be in the obese range, with a BMI greater than 30. It’s rare for patients to undergo bariatric surgery if their BMI is under 30.
Other Factors to Consider Beyond BMI
In addition to the patient’s BMI, candidacy for surgery will depend on other factors that can affect health and wellness. This includes issues with hypertension, diabetes, a risk of heart disease, or issues with joint health.
Multiple health and wellness matters will be taken into account during the consultation process.
Is gastric sleeve surgery right for me?
If you are struggling with obesity or morbid obesity and have been unable to lose weight through natural means, then gastric sleeve surgery might be a good option for you to consider. Generally your doctor will be able to make a recommendation based on your health and wellness, particularly if you suffer from hypertension and/or diabetes and run a risk of a more serious health problem occurring if you do not lose weight in a timely manner.
Other Options for Weight Loss to Consider
For patients who are overweight but not obese, there are many non-surgical options for weight loss. These include regular exercise, changes in your diet, and other ways of improving your overall lifestyle and living habits. These can be discussed with your general practitioner during a checkup.
Schedule a Consultation at Our Bariatric Surgery Center
To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and your many other options for safe bariatric weight loss, it’s important that you contact our weight loss surgery center today. The entire team here looks forward to your visit and helping you make the best choices about losing weight and enhancing your health and wellness.
Gastric Sleeve and Nausea: What Patients Should Understand
Our weight loss surgery practice in Tijuana has helped countless patients achieve a more ideal weight and better general wellness in the process. In many cases this is achieved through gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy), an effective and popular bariatric procedure.
A potential side effect following weight loss surgery is nausea and vomiting. Let’s take a moment right now to consider the causes of this side effect and what patients can do to reduce bouts of nausea following gastric sleeve surgery.
Why Nausea May Occur After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Both nausea and vomiting are common issues that bariatric surgery patients face after the procedure has been performed. In the vast majority of cases, these issues with nausea and vomiting are related to issues with the changes in a patient’s diet and dietary needs and the adjustment period required to get used to these changes.
In rare instances, the nausea and vomiting may be the result of an ulcer that develops following surgery. If you notice frequent problems with nausea after you have undergone a gastric sleeve regardless if you abide by all dietary guidelines, be sure to speak with your bariatric surgeon or general practitioner about these matters.
About Dumping Syndrome
Another potential cause of nausea and vomiting is dumping syndrome. This is a condition that occurs in a number of bariatric surgery patients when food travels from the stomach to the small bowel faster that it should. Vomiting and nausea are potential symptoms of dumping syndrome, as is abdominal pain/cramps and diarrhea.
Ways to Avoid Nausea After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
When eating after bariatric surgery, be sure to avoid drinking while you eat. Chew slowly and savor your food, and make sure you are eating foods that will not give your stomach problems during digestion. Drink water between meals to stay hydrated, and be sure to stay away from carbonated beverages and beverages that are caffeinated.
Refer to the dietary guidelines outlined by your bariatric surgeon as these will be ideal for avoiding major issues such as ulcers and dumping syndrome.
Will issues with nausea improve with time?
Generally yes.
As you heal from surgery and as you get used to your new diet and eating habits, you should experience fewer issues with nausea, vomiting, and dumping syndrome. This is all part of a process of getting to understand your body and your new dietary needs. Be patient and be diligent, and you should be able to notice what triggers the nausea and how it can be avoided.
What if nausea persists years after the surgery?
Some patients may notice recurring issues with nausea years down the road. This is generally rare, though it can occur. In such instances, it’s important for patients to consult with their bariatric surgeon or general practitioner to undergo x-rays and determine if there is a serious health matter that is causing frequent bouts of nausea.
Schedule a Consultation for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
For more information about gastric sleeve surgery and your many other options for effective weight loss, we encourage you to contact our weight loss surgery center today.
The Pre-op Diet for Gastric Sleeve Surgery Patients
Tijuana Bariatrics has changed so many lives through weight loss surgery. Many times, these positive changes are the result of gastric sleeve surgery, an effective and popular bariatric weight loss procedure.
For any weight loss surgery to be successful, it’s important for patients to prepare for the procedure. This means knowing what they should eat before the surgery.
Why is the pre-op diet important?
When you are obese or morbidly obese, you carry a lot of excess fat, and your liver is often enlarged. The latter is known as fatty liver, and it can make the weight loss surgery process less successful.
A pre-op diet before gastric sleeve surgery helps reduce the size of your liver, improve general wellness to a certain degree, and can help prevent surgical complications as you recover from surgery. The changes to your diet are just part of the pre-op instructions that you need to follow.
Typical Diet Two Weeks Before Bariatric Surgery
While the exact diet for you and your needs can vary somewhat, the following guidelines are good to consider in the two to three weeks before your surgery:
Eliminate Excess Sugar – Say goodbye to all that unnecessary sugar, such as sodas, candies, and juices
Reduce Intake of Starches and Carbs – You should limit carbs and starches in your diet, such as pasta, bread, rice, and cereals; low-carb is the best approach
Increase Protein Intake – Focus on eating lean meats and avoiding fatty meats
Typically, patients will want to have a sugar-free protein shake for breakfast, lean meat and vegetables for lunch, and lean meat and vegetables for dinner.
For snacks between meals, consider sugar-free options such as vegetables, berries, nuts, and salads. Patients should also stay well-hydrated with water and only drink sugar-free beverages.
Diet for the Two to Three Days Before Bariatric Surgery
As the date of your surgery nears, patients will have one last change to make to their diets. Roughly two to three days before your gastric sleeve, patients will usually be asked to avoid drinking any carbonated beverages and caffeinated beverages.
In many cases, patients will be asked to go on a diet of clear liquids around this time. This means a diet that predominantly consists of the following:
- Water
- Gatorade/sports drinks
- Broths
- Sugar-free protein shakes
- Sugar-free Jell-O
- Low-sugar or sugar-free fruit juices
- Crystal Light
Be sure to note all surgeon recommendations for your diet, particularly with regard to these final days before surgery.
How will my diet change after gastric sleeve is performed?
After you undergo gastric sleeve surgery, you will need to stay on a predominantly liquid-based diet in the first weeks after the procedure. You will slowly reintegrate soft foods and solid foods into your diet as the first month continues.
Your surgeon will provide detailed information on what you can and can’t eat after gastric sleeve is performed. This bariatric surgery grocery shopping list should give you a basic idea of what to expect.
Contact Our Weight Loss Surgery Center
For more information about gastric sleeve surgery and your many other options for effective bariatric weight loss, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Many patients visit Tijuana Bariatrics because we provide in-depth information with regard to all bariatric procedures.
With this in mind, we’d like to take this opportunity to answer some of the most common questions that patients have about gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy).
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a bariatric procedure that involves making a person’s stomach smaller. This helps reduce sensations of hunger while also limiting the amount of calories that a patient consumes. This will result in safe and healthy weight loss.
Who is a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?
Good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery include people who are obese and morbidly obese, generally with a BMI greater than 40. They should have tried losing weight through normal means but have found that they are unable to achieve a healthier BMI. Patients who are at risk for heart disease or suffer from diabetes are good candidates for the procedure.
What are the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery?
The benefits of gastric sleeve surgery include the following:
- Relatively quick surgery
- Less invasive than some other bariatric procedures
- Low maintenance when compared to other bariatric procedures
- High rate of success and patient satisfaction
- Able to prevent cardiovascular disease and treat diabetes
How does gastric sleeve compare to gastric bypass?
Gastric sleeve compares favorably to gastric bypass surgery. The amount of weight loss that each surgery can achieve is comparable, though the gastric sleeve procedure does not involve a major alteration to the patient’s digestive tract, which makes it more appealing to some.
How does gastric sleeve compare to gastric banding?
In addition, gastric sleeve compares favorably to gastric banding/LAP-BAND surgery. Again, the amount of weight loss that can be achieved with each surgery is comparable, but the gastric sleeve does not require band adjustments or checks as the LAP-BAND procedure does.
How will my diet change after gastric sleeve?
In the early weeks after gastric sleeve, you will be on a predominantly liquid and soft foods diet, gradually incorporating more and more solid foods as you heal. Patients should avoid carbonated beverages after gastric sleeve surgery, as well as coffee and anything that is high in sugar or fat.
This grocery list for gastric sleeve surgery patients will be helpful for figuring out what you should be eating in those first weeks of recovery.
How soon will I lose weight after gastric sleeve is performed?
Patients will notice some significant weight loss by the end of the first month, typically around 20 pounds. After a few months, the weight loss should continue, usually with another 40 to 60 pounds lost, though this can vary from patient to patient based on their starting weight and other factors.
This timeline for gastric sleeve weight loss should provide a helpful guideline of what to expect.
Will I gain weight back after gastric sleeve?
It is possible to gain back some weight following the initial amount of weight loss you experienced, and this is normal in many cases. The weight regain will not lead you back into obesity or morbid obesity, however.
There may be different reasons why you are not losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery, so keep those matters in mind.
Will insurance cover a gastric sleeve procedure?
Your medical insurance can be used to pay for gastric sleeve surgery, though since policies and plans differ, it’s important to check with your insurance provider directly to find out what is involved. For people without insurance, there are a number of financing options for gastric sleeve surgery that can prove quite helpful for putting your weight loss goals within reach.
Should I consider medical tourism for a gastric sleeve surgery?
Yes.
At our practice, patients will experience savings but without any reduction in terms of the quality of care that is provided. We offer patients a private driver to get to and from the surgical facility as well as hotel accommodations following surgery to aid in recuperation.
How can I learn more about gastric sleeve and other weight loss surgeries?
For more information about gastric sleeve and other bariatric procedures, we encourage you to contact our weight loss surgery center today.
Gastric Sleeve – What to Expect During Week One
Patients who meet with our bariatric surgeons are glad that he provides ample information about the entire surgical procedure. This is important for gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) patients at our Tijuana bariatric surgery practice who want to have realistic expectations about the overall results of a procedure.
Let’s take a look at what patients can expect during the first week of recovery from gastric sleeve. We’ll spend the rest of the month considering those crucial early weeks of the healing process.
General Expectations: The First Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
The first week after gastric sleeve surgery will be the week in which side effects are most pronounced. This is to be expected since patients are just getting out of surgery and their body is adjusting to the various changes it has gone through.
With that in mind, however, patients at our practice will be carefully cared for during the first week since they will be near the practice for monitoring before going home. This extra attention paid in the early days of recovery helps ensure the overall success of the gastric sleeve procedure in the long run.
Common Side Effects in the First Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
Some of the most common side effects that patients experience after their gastric sleeve surgery include the following:
- Soreness throughout the body
- Fatigue or sick
- Feeling cold
- Changes in your mood
- Dryness of the skin
- Hair thinning/hair loss
Keep in mind that these side effects are temporary, and that they will resolve themselves in time. (Note: Hair loss and thinning typically does not become an issue until weeks or months after surgery as your body is adjusting to the changes it has undergone.)
Your Diet During the First Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
In the first week after your gastric sleeve surgery, your diet will be comprised entirely of clear liquids. This means water, certain kinds of broths, sugar-free gelatin, and sugar-free popsicles. This will all help your digestive system make the transition back into solid foods, but this has to be taken slowly.
Activities to Avoid During the First Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
While patients will be encouraged to do very light walking in their hotel room as they heal, there are some activities that they will want to avoid. These include the following:
- Strenuous physical activities
- Heavy lifting
- Sexual activity
- Bending over at the waist
- Consuming alcohol
- Consuming caffeinated beverages
- Using tobacco products
You Will Be Near the Practice During This Early Phase of Recovery
Patients will be in the area in that first crucial week of recovery. The first night or so will be spent in a hospital for monitoring, and so the gastric sleeve can be checked multiple times to ensure there are no leaks in the stomach pouch. Patients will also be provided with accommodations at a hotel near the weight loss surgery center. A private driver will be provided to assist in trips to the practice for the early follow-up appointments.
Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
For more information about gastric sleeve surgery, it’s important that you contact our weight loss surgery center today. We will work with you to ensure that you receive all the information you need for effective weight loss surgery treatment.
Gastric Sleeve – What to Expect During Week Two
Patients can count on our surgeons to provide them with ample information about all of their weight loss surgery options. At our Tijuana weight loss surgery center, our doctors always give patients the information that they need in order to make confident decisions about their weight and overall wellness.
A few days ago, we looked at gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) and what patients can expect as they heal. Let’s continue looking at the recovery process by focusing on the second week after the surgery has been performed.
General Expectations: The Second Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
As patients enter their second week of recovery, they should notice a mild improvement in overall side effects, at least with regard to soreness and discomfort. Fatigue may still be an issue, though with a little walking to promote circulation, this should no longer be as significant.
By the second week, patients will be able to alter their diet slightly, graduating from clear liquids to others kinds of fluids as they transition back to solid foods.
Common Side Effects in the Second Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
As with the first week of recovery, patients will typically notice issues with soreness, changes in mood, dry skin, sensations of cold, and a feeling akin to the flu. These are all normal, and they typically are improved in the second week after surgery.
Your Diet During the Second Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
During the second week of recovery, patients will add proteins to their liquid diet. It’s recommended that patients take this slowly to avoid stomach pain and digestive discomfort. Some foods approved for the second week diet include protein powders, soups that have soft noodles, creamy soups that are thin, non-fat yogurt, sugar-free pudding, and sugar-free sorbet.
Activities to Avoid During the Second Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
To ensure optimal healing, patients should avoid the following until their surgeon says otherwise:
- Strenuous physical activities
- Heavy lifting
- Sexual activity
- Bending over at the waist
- Consuming alcohol
- Consuming caffeinated beverages
- Using tobacco products
Very Light Activity Will Help with Healing and Circulation
Patients should continue to walk around to promote circulation, and very light stretching may be recommended as well. Promoting circulation will be key to preventing complications and ensuring a problem-free recovery.
Keep in Contact with Your Bariatric Surgeon in Case of Serious Concerns
Even though patients will not be near the practice by the second week after surgery, they should feel free to contact the practice if they have any questions or concerns about their healing experience. This will allow patients to have peace of mind, and for any issues to be addressed in a timely manner.
Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
If you would like more information about gastric sleeve surgery and how it can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellness, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today. Our entire team of bariatric surgey experts looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Gastric Sleeve – What to Expect During Week Three
There’s an important reason why our Tijuana weight loss surgery practice is so popular with patients abroad: we take time to answer all questions and address all concerns about bariatric procedures. Only by taking this approach to weight loss surgery can patients feel confident in the choices they make and the procedures that they’d like to undergo, such as gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy).
We’ve spent this month considering patients expectations for the first weeks of recovery after gastric sleeve is performed. Let’s continue by considering the patient recovery experience for week three.
General Expectations: The Third Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
As healing continues in the third week, gastric sleeve patients will incorporate more foods into their diet that are soft, and they will also notice a general improvement in overall wellness. Some weight loss should be noticeable around this time or by the fourth week, typically around 20 pounds, give or take.
Common Side Effects in the Third Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
Patients should notice that the side effects experienced in prior weeks are much more manageable and tolerable, with soreness and fatigue less pronounced than in previous weeks.
Your Diet During the Third Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
During the third week, patients will be able to incorporate more soft foods into their diet on the road back to solids. Some common soft foods that get added to the diet by week three include eggs, non-dairy milks (almond milk, coconut milk), low-fat cottage cheese, hummus, mashed bananas, mashed avocado, soft vegetables, steamed fish, canned tuna, ground chicken, ground beef.
Keep in mind that even these soft foods should be eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly. This will help patients get into the habit of savoring their food and noting their level of hunger/satiation.
Activities to Avoid During the Third Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
Patients will be asked to avoid strenuous activities as well as using tobacco products and consuming alcoholic beverages. This is just a precaution to ensure healing that is free from complications.
Continued Light Activity Helps with Healing
By the third week, many patients will be able to engage in light forms of exercise. This means that patients can do a bit more in terms of physical activity when they walk or stretch. Overexertion should be avoided, though patients should feel more comfort moving around and getting light exercise in daily.
Keep in Contact with Your Bariatric Surgeon in Case of Serious Concerns
Patients should continue to turn to their bariatric surgeon for advice and guidance at this stage of recovery. Again, getting information about diet, activity level, and other matters at this stage offers much needed peace of mind for many patients, and it may be just what you need as you come close to finishing your first month of a new you.
Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
If you would like to learn more about gastric sleeve and the positive impact it can make on your health and wellness, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today.
Gastric Sleeve – What to Expect During Week Four
Our surgeons provide patients who visit our Tijuana bariatric surgery center with ample information on the gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) surgical procedure, which includes the recovery process. This provides patients with realistic expectations about surgery and healing.
Let’s conclude our look at the first month after gastric sleeve right now.
General Expectations: The Fourth Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
The fourth week after surgery marks the transition back into solid foods for patients, though this should be done with caution and deliberation. The fourth week also means that patients will be able to return to many of the regular physical activities they loved before they underwent surgery. Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages should still be avoided to ensure good general wellness, however.
Common Side Effects in the Fourth Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
By the end of the month, patients should notice significant improvements with most of their side effects, such as the soreness and discomfort as well as general feelings of sickness and fatigue.
Your Diet During the Fourth Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
Patients will be able to return to a diet of solid foods by the end of four weeks following surgery. That said, patients should continue to do this slowly and at their own pace. It’s recommended that patients really savor their food, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly in order to become attuned to their body and its needs.
Some solid foods that patients may enjoy or consider as part of their regular diet include chicken, fish, lean beef, sweet potatoes, certain fresh fruits and vegetables, certain kinds of cereals.
Foods to Avoid Going Forward
As patients incorporate more and more solid foods into their diet, there are some foods and beverages that gastric sleeve patients should avoid outright or limit your in-take of as much as possible. These include the following:
- Fibrous foods
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Candy
- Pastas
- Whole dairy products
- Caffeinated beverages
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcoholic beverages
- Sugary beverages
Slow Return to Normal Activities By the Fourth Week of Gastric Sleeve Recovery
While patients will still be asked to avoid strenuous physical activities, in general, they will be able to return to many of the activities that they loved before undergoing surgery by the end of four weeks. This will vary from patient to patient, of course, so be sure to check with your surgeon or your general practitioner about these matters as they arise.
Continued Light Activity Helps with Healing
By the end of the fourth week, patients will be able to engage in light exercise. They should continue to exercise at this point in order to promote further weight loss in the weeks and months ahead, and to enhance general wellness in the process. This is a great time to develop healthy habits, both in terms of diet and activity level.
Look Into Support Networks for Bariatric Surgery Patients
As patients transition into major weight loss, it’s a good idea to find a support network to help with any questions or concerns going forward. Online and in-person support groups are a helpful way to get tips for weight management, swap recipes, and learn more firsthand about life after gastric sleeve has been performed.
Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Are you interested in healthy and effective ways of losing excess weight? If so, you should contact our weight loss surgery center today.