GOING FOR THE GASTRIC SLEEVE

Question

HELLO REIGHT NOW I'M GOING THREW MY MEDICAL CLEARANCE FOR THE GASTRIC SLEEVE I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BEFORE SURGERY IS IT WISE TO START TO GO ON A LIQUID DIET 2 2WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY AND HOW LONG
WOULD IT TAKE ME TO GO BACK TO WORK. ALSO HOW PAINFUL WILL IT BE AFTER THE SURGERY JUST CURIOUS

                               THANK YOU
                             CARMELA

Answer
Hi Carmela:

It will all depend on your surgeon as to whether or not you need to go on a liquid diet before surgery.  In general, many surgeons recommend this, especially for higher BMI patients, because it has been shown to shrink the liver--thus making the operation a bit easier.  It also can allow you to drop 5-10 pounds prior to surgery and get you in a liquid diet mindset...as most likely, you will be on clear liquids for at least a few days post-op, and full liquids for a few weeks after that. (Each surgeon's post-op diet is slightly different.)

If your doctor prescribes a liquid diet and you have trouble sticking with it, contact the nutritionist on-staff.  Although a true liquid diet is critical the day or two prior to surgery and immediately after to avoid complications with your staple line, the actual liquid factor does not appear to be as important as the actual weight loss for shrinking the liver.  So your surgeon's RD may suggest having cottage cheese or lean protein + salad in place of a few meals to make it easier for you to stick with it.

As for pain, it's going to depend on your individual tolerance for pain.  However, if you are in pain, you just need to let the nurses or your doctor know--and they will help you manage the pain.  Many hospitals have pain management specialists on staff... anesthesiologists who've done additional training in pain management.   Even when you leave the hospital, your surgeon will give you a prescription of pain medication to use if you need it (although you may not need it).  In general, the most painful incision is the one that is used to remove your stomach--as it is the largest.  Some people also feel pain in their shoulder or other areas from the gas used to inflate the belly during surgery.  Nearly everybody reports feeling exponentially better each day--and being back to normal within 10 days to two weeks.  If you can, I'd take off at least one week (having surgery the Friday before to give yourself almost 10 days). If you can manage two weeks, all the better.

Good luck!
Karla

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