Gastric sleeve surgery, or gastrectomy, is a common weight loss procedure. It is designed to reduce the size of the stomach and reshape it into a smaller banana-shaped “sleeve”, hence the name. The goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce the need for food intake and lessen hunger hormones.
Like with any surgical procedure, the recovery takes time. For many people, the fear factor of potential pain during this period is the main reason they refuse to get the surgery. Setting realistic expectations and understanding the process is the main goal of this article.
Most people have mild and moderate pain after gastric sleeve procedures. In most cases, postoperative pain is present only for a few hours after the surgery, and it’s managed by painkillers. Usually, our patients describe it as tightness around the stomach or upper chest—which is precisely what it is.
Due to the post-op swelling of the stomach and reduced size, you can feel tightness and slight discomfort, which some people describe as pain. Slight discomfort might last 4–5 days, and patients are advised to take painkillers if needed.
There are many factors that can affect a patient’s discomfort during the recovery period. For example, we all have different pain tolerance, so what’s painful for some may present slight discomfort for others. Following a strict preoperative diet plays a big role, so make sure to discuss it with your surgeon.
An unsettled stomach is one of the common side effects following the sleeve gastrectomy. Most patients claim to experience stomach aches ranging from mild to moderate near the incision. The sensation is a slow aching or pressure rather than sudden pain.
Following the surgery, bloating and gas can cause pain. In this case, the best thing you can do is go for a walk since it helps release gas. The discomfort should disappear on its own, and it shouldn’t cause too much pain.
While low to moderate pain is completely normal after the surgery, extreme and sharp pain could point to complications such as infection, hiatal hernia, leaking or a clot. Shoulder pain can also be one of the common symptoms of leaking or perforation. In this case, you should see your doctor immediately and consult with your bariatric surgeon.
Although every patient recovers differently, many gastric sleeve patients describe discomfort in the first few days following the procedure. The discomfort might get worse in the first few hours after the procedure while the effects of anesthesia wear off, but most people say they experience reduced discomfort a week later.
Make sure to follow your surgeon’s recommendation on diet, exercise and wound care, and you should feel the discomfort fade in the first two weeks after the surgery. It’s important to note that full recovery may take one to two months after the surgery.
During this time, it’s normal to experience fatigue. Listen to your body, and avoid overexerting yourself. Make sure to stay hydrated and eat nutritious food. As long as you follow these steps, and get enough rest, you should speed up your recovery process.
Apart from the mandatory pain medication used right after bariatric surgery, the best thing you can do is walk and give yourself some time. Light physical activity like walking is the best remedy you can do by yourself to help the healing process. The initial swelling from the surgery should decrease after the first 24–48 hours, and a week later, you should feel the discomfort disappear.
You should follow the strict dietary regimen prescribed by your gastric surgeon in the months after surgery and consume plenty of fluids to avoid straining during bowel movements. Try not to overeat to prevent aggravating the pain. It goes without saying, but you should avoid heavy lifting or intense exercises during the healing process.
If you’re experiencing gas or cramps, apply a warm towel or a heating pad for pain management. If the pain persists and becomes sharp or intense, consult your doctor or a surgeon and get it checked out.
Compared to what surgery patients expect, the discomfort following gastric sleeve surgery is modest. As the body heals, most people feel better in a few weeks after surgery. The discomfort should be reduced with medication, rest, and post-operative routine. See a doctor if you have intense or sudden pain to be sure there are no repercussions.
If you want to get weight loss surgery in Turkey, Dr. Gökçe can help you improve your general quality of life, self-esteem, and health. With over 30 years of experience and almost ten thousand satisfied patients, you can expect your gastric bypass to be handled with care and up to the highest medical standards. Feel free to contact them for a free consultation.
