The preparation for your weight loss surgery and your gastric sleeve procedure are complete. Now it's time to walk through the recovery process.  Below is a list of steps you can take to help you feel better during recovery. 

1. Expect the Pain

    It's important to mentally prepare for the pain.

   Pain medication is available. Your doctor will work closely with you to help you achieve the necessary pain relief. However, it won't take all the pain away. Remind    yourself often that the pain is temporary. It is worth it to achieve your weight loss and health goals. 

2. Rest When Tired

‍   Listen to your body. If you're tired, you need to rest. Overdoing it will not speed up your weight loss or your recovery time.

3. Don't Strain Yourself

   You may quickly start feeling like you can return to normal activities. From the outside, your belly may look like it's healed—but the inside of your belly is still healing.

   Avoid lifting too much—including groceries, weights, your children, etc.—until your doctor clears you to do so. 

4. Do Your Breathing Exercises

   Breathing exercises are part of the recovery process. 

   You use your stomach muscles as part of the breathing process. When your stomach hurts you may find that you take more shallow breaths to avoid the pain. However,    these breathing exercises are essential to staying healthy.

5. Don't Take a Bath

   It may be tempting to take a bath during your recovery period. You're tired, and a nice soak in the tub sounds amazing. However, the bacteria and other pollutants in       bathwater can cause post-surgery infections—or other complications.

   Although not as relaxing, you can shower if your doctor approves it. 

6. Avoid Hitting Your Belly

   Gastric sleeve surgery creates small incisions in your belly, and these can take a while to heal. Avoid bumping your belly on a counter as you walk around or trying to    catch something. Not only is an impact going to be painful, but you may also risk opening the incision. This can lead to a longer recovery time or possible    complications.  

7. Use a Pillow When You Cough, Laugh, or Sneeze

   Keep a pillow handy during your recovery for when you cough, laugh or sneeze. You can hug the pillow against your stomach, allowing you to apply a small amount of    pressure. This allows the stomach muscles to relax and reduces pain. 

8. Walk

   Part of the recovery process includes walking.

   This may be difficult and painful at first, but is required before you leave the hospital. It will also help speed up recovery. It is, however, important not to overdo it. Listen    to your body. Push a little, and, when you are too tired, rest.

9. Gas X is Your Friend

   After surgery, you will need to be able to pass gas before you can leave the hospital. This will allow the doctors to know that everything is working properly.

   You can also have gas build-up during your recovery. Gas X will help break down the gas bubbles and ease the pain, allowing you to release the gas easier.

10. Strictly Follow the Diet Plan Your Doctor Gave You

   The most important thing you will need to do for a successful recovery is to follow your diet plan. Each diet stage is designed to allow your stomach to heal and give    you the nutrients your body needs to recover.

At BASS Bariatric Surgery Center, we are here to help you lose weight with surgery safely and effectively. Call us today with any questions you may have about the gastric sleeve—or to set up a consultation.