Considering having gastric sleeve surgery? It is important to understand everything that is involved in this procedure, so you can be sure you know what you are signing up for. This surgery can be incredibly effective in your weight loss efforts, but it also requires a commitment to a new way of living.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Gastric Sleeve?
WeightWise feels the best way for people to lose weight in the long term involves much more than the gastric sleeve procedure itself. It’s a combination of surgery, lifelong changes to your diet, and increased physical activity. In fact, you should be able to return to normal day-to-day activities in a few days. Your stomach will still be healing from your gastric sleeve surgery. Average recovery takes about 2-3 weeks for the incisions in your stomach to heal and between 6-8 weeks for your staple line to heal. After a month, most gastric sleeve patients are able to start a normal exercise regimen and are on the way to a full recovery.
During the first few weeks after surgery, however, you will still need to give your stomach time to heal and readjust. You will only be allowed to drink clear liquids during that time, although protein supplements/shakes are also allowed on an as-needed basis required. During the recovery period, it is extremely important to stay hydrated.
What is a gastric sleeve procedure?
If you undergo this bariatric surgery, the surgeon will remove about 70 to 80 percent of your stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach will be shaped like a tube or sleeve, about the size and shape of a hot dog.
This “sleeve” is now your stomach. The amount of food and drink you consume at one time will be limited from this point on. Because your short-term diet is limited to liquids, your body will begin to adjust to the changes in food intake.
These hormonal changes help reduce hunger cravings and will make you feel fuller faster. It’s all part of the healing process and kickstarts the weight loss. However, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. While the healing process can take a few weeks to a month, overall target weight loss can take nine months to a year.
What’s recovery like after gastric sleeve surgery?
Undergoing this procedure is not a small decision. It is a laparoscopic surgery that is done at a hospital and requires anesthesia. You will be sore, and your abdominal area will be swollen. We will talk with you about pain medication and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible after the procedure.
Because we use several small incisions instead of one large incision, recovery time for a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery is much shorter. The first two weeks after any weight-loss surgery, you will be on a very restricted diet with very few calories. This may seem impossible at first, but because you won’t be as hungry, it will make things easier.
During this time, you will probably feel tired. After all, you have just undergone major surgery and you are not eating what you normally do! Be sure to listen to your body and get plenty of rest and know that as you start healing in the next few weeks, you will begin to start introducing soft foods. Within a month, solid foods will begin to make an appearance.
It is also important to note that for the first six weeks following surgery, your incision area will be fragile as it heals. The stapled area is what’s holding the sleeve together, so it is important to continue to follow the designated eating plan outlined by your medical team. Eating too much may cause discomfort and even injury.
The Weight Loss Program from WeightWise
Our team understands that you probably have more questions about gastric sleeve and what’s involved. During the initial consultations with our bariatric surgeons, to reaching your ideal weight a year after your procedure, WeightWise will be with you. We can help answer your questions and make sure you have what you need to begin your transformational journey of weight loss.
Our surgeons will talk to you about your health history, why you want to lose weight, ask about any pain medication you are taking, and determine if you’re physically and mentally ready for the procedure. You’ll also meet with our dietitians, who will give you a pre-op diet, as well as a very structured diet plan for the rest of your life.
The WeightWise exercise physiologists will talk with you about past injuries and design a workout program customized for you. Regular exercise is a major component of our program and you’ll work towards getting at least 30 minutes of activity at least five days a week.
Completely changing your lifestyle is more than just a physical endeavor. Dealing with these changes on your own – or even dealing with less than supportive friends and family – can be the most difficult part of the process. Every WeightWise client will also be paired with a patient advocate.
Having someone to talk to about the initial side effects of losing weight, celebrating successes, or discussing insurance issues makes the rest of the process that much easier. Consider them your personal cheerleaders, ready to lift you up when you need it!
The holistic approach we take to long-term weight loss at WeightWise allows our clients to receive a comprehensive program. By keeping all aspects under one roof, you won’t need to travel all over town to different facilities or receive contradictory messages. When you’re ready to learn more about our program, we’ll be here for you.
I had a sleeve put in, and a Hiatal Hernia fixed….can staples or stitches tear on the inside of a body?? And how am i to tell if one popped or tore? Will i have symptoms or get ill??
Hey Christine! If you think this may have happened, I would contact your operating surgeon regarding this. That way they can do a full evaluation and provide the appropriate recommendations.
I had a sleeve put in, and a Hiatal Hernia fixed….can staples or stitches tear on the inside of a body?? And how am i to tell if one popped or tore? Will i have symptoms or get ill?? Will my body tell me something is wrong?
My daughter Had the
gastric sleeve done 3 weeks ago and she is still very weak why? And very depressed and staying in bed
I’ve had so much energy and have been on the go since my surgery! I had the gastric sleeve surgery on May 13th! I thought today that I better slow myself down! I walk slowly every morning in the park and I’ve been to the beach to walk! The surgery totally changes your life! I’ve been with my nieces and they ask for soda, chocolate chip cookies, and McDonald’s! Your daughter cannot have any of these things! Having the surgery requires having a strong mind! She needs to be consistent drinking (sipping) water as to stay hydrated and trying her best to get down the 60 g of protein! She has to find the flavors that she likes! I like the cinnamon roll, banana strawberry cream and banana cream premier protein! And I’m so excited for the protein flavored water because you do get tired of the protein shakes! But she needs encouragement to sip on water , get hydrated and get moving! Also encourage her to speak with her psychiatrist because she may be struggling with the big change!
Hey Gwen! I would contact your daughters operating physician and/or dietitian regarding this. That way they can provide her with full evaluation and recommendations based off of her individual circumstances.
Guess I’m not the only one. I’m 30 days post op, I’m weak and depressed. I regret the surgery already. I’ve lost 27lbs I weigh 180lbs and I don’t want to lose any more. I can’t do anything, too weak, can’t finish a applesauce cup, can’t finish a protein shake. I get faint standing up so I’m in bed it on the couch about 20 hours a day. Hope it gets better
Hi, Gwen – I recommend to contact your operating surgeon to discuss the issues you are having. At WeightWise, all of our patients follow up with surgeons/nurse practitioners, dietitians, and exercise physiologists every 2-3 months after surgery. This helps us evaluate their progress over time at specific intervals post-op to make sure everything is on track and to make sure no issues arise.
How soon after the surgery can I resume exercise? Walking to start… and is there a guide… pre surgery i walk 5kms every morning… thinking this may be too much post op
@ Lani, My Bariatric Treatment Center requested patients wait 30-days before resuming normal exercise. They did encourage short walks that extend in duration and range as your body feels comfortable with it. I had my sleeve procedure on on 4/27 and have steadily increased my walking distance to 3 miles as of today. In a couple of days, I’ll be able to resume full exercise and swimming.
Good Morning Lani! Typically we tell patients to start walking after surgery, but to only go as far as their bodies will allow. Meaning start slow, increase at your pace, and do not over do it is all :).
I just has my sleeve 4 days ago. So far the only time I hurt is when I cough, sneeze,or belch. I have not taken any pain medication since the day after surgery. I have found that long walks make me get the shakes so now I listen to my body and sit down when I need a rest. Am I pushing it to fast?
Hey Jennifer! You may be pushing a little to much in terms of your walking. I would dial it back for now and only walk as much as your body tolerates.
My daughter had the surgery may 4 th and was good for 2.5 weeks and then all of a sudden started feeling nauseous and dry heaving been to ER and have gotten fluids and sugar and been admitted to hospital for 3 days all test come back relatively normal except blood sugar and no one seems to be helping us diagnose the problem
My daughter had her surgery Oct 4th. Been in ER three times. First time six days later with a kidney stone which did not appear on CT scan but passed when she got home. Second time same thing although they couldn’t find anything. They did blood work and didn’t bother to explain anything to me and sent us home. The third time I had it! She had been heaving non stop for 8 weeks and couldn’t hold anything down. She wasn’t taking vitamins or GERD meds. I finally took her to the hospital where she had the surgery performed and they were looking for answers. It took them 4 days to do an X-ray of upper GI because she needed to hold down some liquid. It took them six days to do sn endoscopy because her electrolytes and specifically potassium was so low no matter what they did that she couldn’t go under anesthesia. They finally put a PiCC in her and her and the potassium started taking that way and she was also given nutrients that way. Long story short from heaving so much and not being on anything she depleated her body from potassium and other electrolytes. They didn’t find anything other then her sleeve was irritated from the bile. Now she is on two types of GERD med and potassium supplements for six days along with other vitamins. On top of her very thing she has now caught a cold and has all these fears. I took her to our primary and I was told she is going to need a month to heal.
I had my sleeve done on May 10,2021. I am doing great except I cannot eat anything with out having stabbing pains in my chest. I do ok on liquids but trying to introduce yogurt and soft foods is painful PLEASE tell me this goes away?
Hey Frannie! Make sure you are taking nice small bites, the size of your pinky nail or a pinto bean. This will help your food go down easier. Also, make sure that you are eating a flavored greek yogurt rather than one made with fruit.
Hi Frannie,
I had the sleeve on May 10th too. 🙂
I just had gastric bypass on November 12,2021. I am 5 weeks out . It’s awful . I can’t keep anything down everything taste like metal. Also I’m dry heaving all the the time. I feel like dying. Does it get better.
Hi, Sue! I recommend you contact your operating surgeon or dietitian, as they will be able to do a full evaluation, as there are many individualized factors to consider. Also, each program has different guidelines for diet and fluid recommendations. You can call our front desk as well, and they can set you up with a virtual appointment to visit one of our providers, at 405-359-2475.
I have heard that you can’t lift for 6 weeks Fter surgery is this correct. And to be clear I mean lifting a small child.
Hey Lydia! I would discuss this with your operating physician. Some provide patients with a lifting restriction and some do not. However, physicians that do not provide a restriction typically recommend if you feel a pull/discomfort in their abdomen when lifting/exercising, to not lift that weight again for a couple of weeks.
I am in the process of having the gastro sleeve. i hope it is before July 12th. Today is June 30th
Hope all goes well for you and you get to have it done soon.
I had the gastric sleeve done Aug 24,2020. I am getting close to my year mark. I have lost a total of 87 pounds still have about 86 pounds to reach my goal weight. After my sleeve was done the only problem I was having was heartburn when I would go to bed. I was out on Prilosec 40 mg and worked for awhile. The last month it has gotten where after I eat dinner around 5:00 then go to bed around 9:00 I am woke up to awful heartburn can taste the bile and it goes into my nose which makes me so sick. I talked to my surgeon and told him if I don’t eat dinner I am fine so he told me to try a protein shake for dinner and it has stopped.
Hello my name is Jeff. Had my sleeve surgery on July 2nd. On day three no problems with 64+ once’s of water. Day four added protein shakes and added protein powder to sugar free pudding 80 grams of protein total with no pain. Day five same as day four but added cottage cheese, and sugar free apple sauce, still no pain. Is this fine as long as it doesn’t hurt.? Or should I still be on liquids only for two weeks? But if what I’m doing is fine can I go to soft vegetables or not?
Hey Jeff! I would contact your operating physician and/or dietitian regarding this. We may recommend something completely different then your program. For example, we recommend only hydrating fluids and protein shakes for the first two weeks post-op. Once patients advance to soft proteins at two weeks post-op, we provide them with a specific list of soft proteins that they can have to prevent any complications. Or, you could call our front desk and they will set you up with an appointment to visit with ours 405-359-2475.
Just had my surgery on the 20th of this month(July)was feeling bad all the way to day 3 after surgery,then day 4 I felt so good that I actually got up on my exercise bike,later that day I had a terrible headache and body ache…currently laying in the bed where I’ve been since yesterday,laying here makes me feel so much better,I even just ate two sugar free popsicles,hope that wasn’t to much!
I just had gastric bypass on November 12,2021. I am 5 weeks out . It’s awful . I can’t keep anything down everything taste like metal. Also I’m dry heaving all the the time. I feel like dying. Does it get better.
I just had my sleeve done on 7/29/2021. I am feeling great a lil sore but I had issues with O2 sats in hospital. Did anyone else experience that ? And is the protein water a good choice to keep hydrated than plain water ?
Good morning Kimberly! Protein water will not count towards your hydrating fluids. Anything that is a hydrating fluid should be less than 15 calories, decaf, and noncarbonated. Protein water typically contains more calories than that and is instead considered a protein shake. 🙂
I’ve had complications in surgery with my band that I e had fitted for 8yrs so my surgeon couldn’t do the bypass he did the sleeve, I’m 6 days post op now, I’ve not been able to take my Venafalaxine antidepressants for days & I feel ok, will I be able to carry on not taking them or will it effect me soon
Thank yo
Good morning Denise! I would speak with your operating physician regarding medications :).
Hi, I would talk to your surgeons office. I was not taking my bp meds because the nurse that discharged me said no pills unless crushed. All of my meds could not be crushed. When I talked to the follow up MD he suggested taking the pills just slow one at a time. I would ask.
Hey I just had the sleeve done but I can’t drink down
I am post op day 35, I am drinking 3 protein shakes and the recommended water with no problems, i am eating soft food like scrambled eggs, flaky fish but sometimes those food items still hurt going down, how long will this feeling happen? Also at what stage can i eat and drink at the same time? Right now i have to wait 30 mins after i eat to drink something?
Hi, Andrea!
I recommend contacting your operating physician or dietitian about this question. They will be able to do a full evaluation and give you recommendations based off of your individual circumstances because there are many factors to consider. I would recommend making sure that you are taking small bite sizes (the size of a pinto bean), chewing well, pausing in between bites, and taking your time at meals (20-30 minutes).
After surgery you are not able to drink fluids and eat foods at the same time and this is for life. It is because there is not enough room in your new pouch for both fluids and foods. When you have both, the amount of food you eat is less, digested quicker, and will not keep you full. Remember you will always have to wait a full 60 minutes after eating to drink fluids.
You can call our front desk as well, and they can set you up with a virtual appointment to visit one of our providers, at 405-359-2475.
How long does it take to heal internally? I’m 5 months post op and was kicked in the stomach a few days ago. I do feel a little pain inside.
Hi Sara,
If you have concerns of pain, you should schedule an appointment with your operating surgeon or nurse practitioner.