After Laparoscopic Sleeve
Post-Operation Expectations
Individuals that choose Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery must make many ongoing lifestyle changes before the procedure and after in order to ensure the best possible results. The Barnes Bariatric team of experienced Registered Dietitians, Behavioral Health Specialists, as well as a friendly and compassionate staff help patients adjust to their new healthier lifestyle. Barnes Bariatric is committed to high-quality patient care and attention.
Most patients who undergo Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery will be prescribed medications as necessary and instructions that will help ensure a swift recovery. Once you return home, it is important that you engage in light physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs. These simple activities may seem hard at first because of low energy levels, but as time passes your tolerance for activities will return to normal and improve dramatically as you lose weight. Patients are able to return to work and their normal routine approximately two to three weeks after the operation.
Post-Operative Care
Dr. Barnes and his staff remain dedicated to making sure you lose weight and keep it off. Dr. Barnes will give you post-operative instructions to help ensure a safe and successful recovery after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Patients are required to return for routine follow-up exams periodically during the first year after your surgery and then annually. This is important so our medical team can monitor your post-operative health and detect any complications that could result in serious health problems.
Our practice also has a team of specially trained staff that helps you adjust to your new, healthy lifestyle after weight loss surgery. We offer a variety of nutritional and behavioral counseling services to make sure you stay on track to achieve your weight loss goal Dr. Gregory Barnes and his staff help you develop healthy and permanent diet and exercise plans so you can attain the slimmer, healthier body you desire.
Expected Weight Loss
After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, most patients can expect to lose 60-70% percent of their excess body weight within 18 months after surgery. Studies show that most patients are able to maintain an average of 60 percent of their weight loss ten years after surgery. You can do better or worse depending on how closely you continue to follow recommended lifestyle changes as many patients maintain all of their weight loss.
Although weight loss is the primary benefit of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, patients also benefit from a reduced risk for developing severe medical conditions related to morbid obesity, including type 2 Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Heart Disease, and Stroke. If you already suffer from obesity-related health problems, weight loss surgery may help reduce or eliminate these conditions. Studies have shown approximately 96 percent of obesity-related diseases can be improved or eliminated through bariatric surgery.
Lifelong Diet Guidelines After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a state-of-the-art procedure that has the potential to give patients a new lease on life. Treatment does not stop after the procedure; instead, it continues for the rest of your life. You must be committed to making the diet and exercise changes necessary to maintain your weight loss results. You will meet with a Nutritionist before and after surgery to help you make healthy and educated food choices and adopt new eating habits.
Since the stomach is much smaller in size, the amount of food you can consume after bariatric surgery is very limited. Certain types of foods that were tolerated easily before surgery may now cause discomfort. Therefore, it is important for you to carefully follow the recommended diet guidelines and continue to follow them after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. The following dietary changes are recommended after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery:
EAT SMALL AMOUNTS OF FOOD
The stomach can only hold an ounce or two of food immediately after surgery. Overeating can cause pain, and discomfort as well as nausea and vomiting. Most patients experience a sense of “full” and have close to NO hunger all the time after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery, making it easier to eat only small amounts.CHEW ALL FOOD THOROUGHLY
Large pieces of food can block the very small opening to the intestine. If the food cannot leave the stomach, patients can experience abdominal pain and vomiting. Patients should take small bites and chew their food completely before swallowing. Tightness or pain means over-eating!CONSUME FOODS AND LIQUIDS SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery patients should avoid eating too fast or eating foods high in refined sugar or fats because doing so may cause nausea. Patients should take at least 30 minutes to eat their meals.DRINK LIQUIDS ONLY BETWEEN MEALS
Having liquids with your meals can flush food through the pouch, allowing you to eat more than is recommended. You should not eat and drink at the same time. Wait at least 30 minutes before and after eating to consume any fluids. Sip water between meals; aim to drink between 48 to 64 ounces of water each day.TAKE VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
It is important that you take vitamin and mineral supplements daily to promote optimal health after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery.
These are just some of the diet changes that are recommended. Please visit our frequently asked questions section for more information about dietary changes, including specific food limitations, following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Nutrition Education
Nutrition education is provided by our in house Dietitian before and after surgery. Metabolic testing is also available for nutrition evaluation to tailor a diet just for you.
Post-Operative Counseling
Because Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is such a serious and life-changing surgery that includes making significant lifestyle changes, extra moral support is needed from friends, family, and sometimes from other professionals to help patients recover optimally. All Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy patients at Barnes Bariatric have the opportunity and are encouraged to use post-operative psychological counseling as part of their treatment plan. Our Mental Health professionals address important issues regarding pre-surgical and post-surgical concerns and can help you cope with lifestyle changes after surgery. Contact us today!