Gastric Sleeve Guideline

Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery

*Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.

*Stop alcohol consumption at least 1 week before surgery.

*Don’t drink anything with your meals.

*Reduce caffeine intake.

*Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Your stomach must be empty for
surgery.

*You need to follow a strict diet to adjust yourself following new lifestyle habits and beginning to be healthy.

*Do not take blood thinners such as Aspirin and its derivatives (Coraspin, Alca-Seltzer etc).

*You should stop to use drugs such as Glucophage or Metformin 3 days before the surgery.

*If you take diabetic medications, you should consult your doctor to be sure that you are suitable to follow the preoperative diet. Also, please consult the doctor before you break off your other drugs.

*You should avoid drinking fizzy drinks and also you should not consume alcohol.

*You should mainly eat protein-based foods at every meal.

*You should not use refined sugar.

*You should avoid sugar-added drinks and foods.

*You should stay away from fried food and fast food.

*You can take supplements for your essential vitamin and mineral needs as your food intake will be restricted. Any multivitamin tablet will be sufficient.

*On the last day before the surgery, you need to have a clear liquid diet.

*You should not eat or drink after midnight as you will perform under the surgery the next day.

*You should never eat solid food a day before the surgery.

*You can mix your fruit juice with skimmed milk. You should drink your vegetable broth after you drain it.

*You can get through this day more comfortably by adding plenty of cinnamon in soy-milk or milk.

DAY 1:

*In the surgery day, you are not allowed to chew gum, drink any liquids, take any medications.

*After the surgery is done, you will be in the recovery room. You should rest and do not move during this period.

*You may feel pain in your incision or discomfort from how you were laying during surgery. Some neck or shoulder pain is also common.

*Each day after surgery you will notice less and less pain. Pain and nausea will continue to be managed with IV medication.

*Start drinking clear liquids after you pass your “leak test”

*It is recommended to do short walks. Get out of bed and walk around at least 3 times per day.

DAY 2-3:

*Most patients leave the hospital 2 or 3 days after surgery and transition to the following at-home recovery plan.
*Keep your incision clean. Gently wash with soap and water (no scrubbing), then dry gently but thoroughly.
*Keep covered with sterile bandages.
*Take prescription pain medication as needed.
*Continue clear liquids only.
*It is recommended to do walks. Walk around at least 3 times per day.

DAY 5:

*You’ll probably be able to shower and start light activity 5 days into your gastric sleeve recovery.

*Can start taking showers or baths (avoid hot tub or jacuzzi).

*Do not lift anything heavy. This can put undue pressure on your stitches and torso.

*It is completely normal that your bowel movements may be difficult or painful. Constipation is normal the first week post-operative.

*Take your pain medication when you need them. You may receive a prescription for Protonix to decrease the acidity in your stomach. This helps with heartburn and may reduce pressure on your healing pouch. Unless otherwise advised by your surgeon, you can resume taking your medications. All non-time-released medications will likely need to be crushed.

*Any drug that is time-released should be switched, if possible, to non-time released. Do not crush time-released medications. Ask your doctor about your diabetes medication.

DAY 7:

*The 7-day mark is a big day for recovery as you will begin to eat again and can resume driving.

*Your pain will be mostly gone and you should no longer need prescription-strength pain medications.

*Add thicker drinks and smooth foods (no chunks).

*Continue your walking, leg, and breathing exercises.

DAY 14:

*Incisions should be healing nicely and may no longer need bandages, but may still be a bit puffy, itchy, or irritated.

*After the wounds have closed completely, apply special lotions (and sunscreen when exposed to the sun) to minimize scarring.

*Continue your walking, leg, and breathing exercises.

*Limit yourself to light physical activity only (lift no more than 10 lbs/4.5 kg)

4-6 WEEKS:

*During weeks 4 to 6 of your gastric sleeve surgery recovery time, you’ll transition into
your “new normal.” Heavy lifting can resume, and you will begin your new diet and exercise maintenance routine.

*Back to normal daily activities and exercise, including heavy lifting.

*Start a full long-term maintenance diet.

*Probably no longer pain. Take OTC medications if needed.

Patient Planning

*Telephone and online video consultation by your surgeon before your arrival.

*Before your treatment, you will have a detailed consultation with your doctor.

*Your medical tests and health checks will be done in the hospital.

*You will stay in the hospital for at least 4 days.

*Next day after surgery morning, you will have a consultation with your doctor and you will have your personalized diet list.

*After your treatment, your doctor will check your health conditions and explain you the usage of your medications.

*You will have more consultations with your surgeon and PCP.