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.