Minimize Discomfort after Gastric Sleeve
The gastric sleeve procedure reduces the size of the stomach to help people who have struggled with obesity achieve their weight loss goals.
When considering gastric sleeve surgery, it should be known that discomfort following surgery is one of the most common side effects. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate discomfort during recovery.
The doctors of Tijuana Bariatrics would like to discuss discomfort after gastric sleeve and how to minimize this side effect. Please contact our Tijuana, Mexico, bariatric center for more information.
About the Gastric Sleeve Procedure
The gastric sleeve procedure is a weight loss surgery in which the size of the stomach is reduced and stapled to form a tube or sleeve shape.
The gastric sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically at our Tijuana clinic. This allows the incisions to remain small, resulting in only minimal scarring. Small incisions also mean less discomfort after surgery compared to more invasive procedures.
Although pain is less severe after gastric sleeve surgery, patients should expect to feel some discomfort as they recover. These tips can help patients minimize their discomfort after surgery.
Take Pain Medication as Prescribed
Pain medications are generally prescribed after gastric sleeve surgery to help relieve pain and discomfort. Taking medications as prescribed is one of the most effective ways to manage pain during recovery.
Follow Your Diet Plan
After gastric sleeve surgery, patients will need to follow a strict diet to allow the stomach to heal properly and for the patient to get proper nutrition while also adjusting to the decreased size of the stomach.
Not following the diet plan can increase the risk of complications after surgery as well as increase pain and discomfort.
Rest
Getting sufficient rest is important to recovery and preventing pain and discomfort as the stomach heals. Patients are encouraged to move around but should not participate in strenuous activities that could interfere with healing and cause pain.
It’s important to note that although abdominal incisions may be healed, the stomach may still be healing. Patients need to be mindful of where they are in their recovery and pay attention to when they need rest.
Support Your Stomach
Laughing, sneezing, and coughing during the initial recovery sometimes causes pain. Supporting the stomach with a pillow, for example, gently hugging the pillow against the stomach, can help take some of the strain off the stomach when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Be Careful With Your Stomach
Gastric sleeve surgery is a significant procedure. Although the incisions made on the outside of the stomach are small, inside the stomach is cut and stapled along the whole length of the organ. Accordingly, patients should take care to avoid hitting their stomach or bumping into things.
Hitting the stomach can cause pain and even increase the risk of complications.
Take Gas Relief Medications
Abdominal gas can cause discomfort after gastric sleeve surgery. Taking an over-the-counter gas relief medication can help relieve pain caused by gas and keep you comfortable.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in the gastric sleeve procedure or would like to discuss other weight loss treatments, please call our Tijuana office at (619) 601-3160 or contact us online.