How to Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
If you’re planning to get gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico or elsewhere, congratulations! You’re taking a huge step for your future health. Gastric sleeve surgery is a highly effective way to lose large amounts of weight and most patients find that they lose over 50% of their excess weight in the first year after surgery.
At the same time, though, it IS a big commitment and recovering from gastric sleeve surgery is going to be a drastic change for you. Here’s how you can prepare for gastric sleeve surgery.
Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
What You Should Buy For Recovery
A blender. You’re going to need to puree and soften your foods for several weeks after surgery. As a result, a blender is going to be your best friend. It’ll allow you to mix protein shakes, puree fruits, and soften meats and eggs so that you can easily eat and digest them.
Recommended supplements and vitamins. Your doctor will give you a list of supplements and vitamins you will need, and you will usually be able to buy them directly from the hospital. These supplements are made specifically for bariatric patients.
Comfortable sheets and pillows. Most of your time during recovery will be spent in bed laying down with your upper body elevated slightly. A comfortable set of pillows and sheets will help you tremendously.
Comfortable walking shoes. During recovery, your doctor will recommend that you move around for exercise. You’ll want walking or running shoes that you can move around comfortably in.
What to Bring To The Hospital
You’re going to want to bring a change of clothes in case you need to stay overnight. Also, bring your medications and toiletries. You may also want to bring a neck pillow to the hospital for some added neck support and to keep your head elevated without using your core to move it.
What To Expect During Recovery from Gastric Sleeve
You will likely experience some mild abdominal discomfort. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve this discomfort slightly. Avoid taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, Pepto-Bismol).
You will be put on a strict post-op diet that your doctor will inform you about. Stick to this diet to a T and your recovery will be a lot easier.
You will be asked to meet certain protein, hydration, and nutrient goals. Protein supplements will be your best friend in this situation, and your doctor will tell you which ones you should take. To meet your hydration goals, sip water intermittently throughout the day. Do NOT try to drink a cup at a time!
If you’re looking for gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico, ALO Bariatrics is here to help. Located in Tijuana, ALO Bariatrics has served thousands of patients from Mexico and the USA.
