3 Ways to Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

If you are about to undergo gastric sleeve surgery and improve your quality of life, there are a few things you should do to prepare yourself physically and emotionally.

1. Get your family on board. As you recover, you will need physical and mental support from a network of friends and family. For such basic tasks as dishes, laundry, and transportation after your surgery, it is necessary to have people who can help. But more importantly, you will need emotional encouragement during this time. Finally, since food is so often a centerpiece of family gatherings, you will want your family members to understand how your diet will change. Sharing your journey can strengthen your relationships and foster mutual respect among you and your family members.

2. Have an exercise accountability partner. Although you will not be able to engage in high impact cardio exercise for the first few months, you will need to begin light movement immediately following your procedure. Having a walking partner will keep you motivated and also ensure that someone is there if you begin to experience any pain. Walking for 20-30 minutes a day for the first few weeks will also aid your digestion. You can break this up into 10 minute increments. Once you are given the go ahead from your doctor, consider increasing your activity level. With your weight loss progressing, you might be comfortable trying a new activity in a class or group. Suggestions include:

• Swimming
• Cycling
• Aerobics
• Yoga
• Pilates

3. Understand lifestyle and body changes. Because sleeve surgery produces immediate effects, you need to prepare yourself for this experience by understanding nutrition and diet, doctor recommendations, and changes in your body.

Understand what you can eat. Immediately following surgery, you will need to keep a protein-rich liquid diet. Practicing this diet for up to two weeks prior to surgery will help determine your preferences. Consider items such as clear soups and broths, skim milk, sugar-free jello and popsicles. You’ll want to avoid solids, sugars, and fats. Refrain from sodas or alcohol. You’ll want to start with small amounts and learn your body’s new cues for when it is full. It is important not to overeat and stretch your sleeve. Once you can have solids, you might consider engaging a dietitian to help you learn meal planning for your new lifestyle.

Follow doctor recommendations for medications and vitamins. Multivitamins and supplements will now be a lifelong practice for you. Talk with your doctor about which product is best for you. You might need to increase these supplements in the weeks following surgery until you get into a well-rounded nutrition routine. Take pain meds as prescribed, and avoid all over the counter medications unless cleared by your doctor. You can use nasal sprays or flushes to alleviate cold/allergy symptoms.

Expect body changes. Obviously, you expect to experience rapid weight loss. However, there are other changes as well that are normal and may occur following surgery.  Hair loss, a white coating on your tongue, and dehydration are common. Be sure to drink plenty of water and remember that these effects are temporary, but your lifestyle and health change should be permanent.