Preparation and Post-Op Care for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Preparation and Post-Op Care for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Regardless of the treatments and diets attempted, individuals unable to lose weight, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 or over 35 in addition to coexisting chronic conditions, undergo obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery.

Almost every day, more people are researching various weight loss methods, including gastric sleeve surgery, and closely monitoring the process. At NewMe, we continue to provide information about obesity surgery to better understand it.

Dr. Eren Taşkın, an Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Specialist, explains what should be done before and after obesity surgery:
"Yes, as you mentioned, more and more people are researching obesity surgery, especially the pre and post-operative processes from reliable sources. Obesity surgery offers several advantages.

Methods like gastric sleeve not only help individuals return to their normal weight but also reduce the frequency of obesity-related diseases. Therefore, we can say that obesity surgery plays a significant role in treating obesity.

Research on bariatric surgery patients shows that those who undergo this surgery are less likely to develop obesity-related cancers compared to those who do not.

This is because weight loss through diet and exercise results in only a 7-10% weight loss, while bariatric surgery, when supported by necessary lifestyle changes, can result in an 80% weight loss.

Now, before I get into what happens before and after obesity surgery, I would like to emphasize the following: Laparoscopic surgery is commonly used in obesity surgery, significantly reducing recovery time and having a positive impact on both pre and post-operative processes.

I provide my obesity surgery patients with a handbook, which contains all the necessary details and serves as a guide for them.

Gastric sleeve surgery and other obesity surgeries are, after all, medical procedures, and no surgery carries a zero risk of death. Especially in obese patients, the risk of complications and death increases after surgery.

However, obesity is a serious condition, and the risk of death and illness it can cause may be higher than the risk of surgery.

Before being admitted to the hospital for obesity surgery, you will be examined by a team of doctors. These specialists may include internal medicine experts, morbid obesity surgeons, psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, nutrition and diet experts, exercise therapists, or physiotherapists.
These experts will decide if you are a candidate for surgery and conduct necessary laboratory and radiological examinations. During these processes, hospitalization may be required. You should follow the doctor's instructions before the surgery day, no matter which surgical procedure is chosen.

After gastric sleeve surgery and other surgeries, you may be admitted to the intensive care unit within the first 24 hours. This is necessary for closer monitoring. Unless any complications arise, you will typically need about 3 days of hospitalization.

Remember that surgery alone is not enough to regain your health and return to your ideal weight. With full cooperation with your doctors and your close ones, it is possible to lose your excess weight regularly. Bariatric surgery operations are the first step in making significant lifestyle changes.

To fully recover from the surgery and adapt to the new stage of your life for a more comfortable living, a convalescence period will be recommended.

Patients must learn the importance of chewing their food properly. They should also understand the importance of physical exercise and incorporate it into their lives.

In the first week after gastric sleeve surgery, the patient's diet should consist only of liquid foods. This is because the body needs time to heal and ensure proper recovery in the surgical area. Patients who rush to consume solid foods are at a higher risk of leakage from suture lines.

Liquid intake begins on the second day after surgery. A tablespoon of water is given every 5-10 minutes until it reaches 250 ml (one glass). The remaining fluid requirements will be provided through intravenous serum.

The oral intake of fluids is gradually increased in the following days. All fluid requirements from the diet are met without the need for serum on the 2nd or 3rd day. We can break it down like this:

Stage 1: A liquid diet for one week. Approximately 100 ml of liquid is consumed every hour with a tablespoon.

The type of liquid should vary. Low-fat milk (lactose-free if preferred), yogurt, clear and warm tea, fruit juice (unsweetened compotes), or vegetable juice (non-gassy vegetables), warm soup (devoid of grains and strained), or meat broth, preferably chicken broth, should be chosen.

Additional beverages that support the diet should also be added to ensure balanced nutrition. Taking fluid in small amounts but spread throughout the day is crucial.

Stage 2: A pureed diet for two weeks. Purees should be consumed in small amounts. Soup and nutritional supplements are still added to the daily diet.

Many stores sell baby food suitable for 5-6-month-old infants. These baby foods are beneficial during this period due to their correct nutritional content.

Patients should drink water between meals, not with meals (half an hour should pass after eating before drinking liquids). Meal times can be adjusted according to the patient's condition, but the recommended amounts should be controlled as much as possible.

The daily total fluid intake should be at least 2000 ml. Fluid should be consumed regularly at intervals and each time in amounts of 100-200 ml. The type of fluid should be changed, and tea, milk or yogurt, and fruit-vegetable juice should be tried.

Daily pureed food intake should be kept at 500 grams. Purees should contain meat or fish, not exceeding 100-150 grams at a time. Food should always be eaten in small amounts and slowly. (Waiting one minute after chewing will extend the meal time to 20 minutes and ensure satiety.)

Stage 3: Normal, regular foods in small quantities can be introduced into the diet for two weeks. However, they should be consumed in tiny amounts, and fluids should be taken between meals.

Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly is crucial. The patient can consume a small amount of low-fat milk or yogurt.

The daily total fluid intake should be at least 2000 ml, and the solid food intake should be around 500 grams. Solid food can now be consumed at regular meal times. However, eating slowly is still essential.

Stage 4: Patients now determine their own meal menus. Eating frequently but in small portions and thorough chewing is still very important. Liquids can only be consumed between meals and should not contain sugar.

The diet should be primarily composed of boiled or mashed vegetables. Fish or lean meat should be taken by boiling rather than frying. Other foods should also be low in fat (such as skim milk, cheese with a maximum of 20% fat, light ice cream, etc.).