Tips to Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

If you’ve tried years of dieting only to fail over and over again, and your weight continues to be a problem, gastric sleeve surgery may be a good option for you. During gastric sleeve surgery, your stomach is made smaller to hold less food, leading you to feel fuller quicker and not eat as much.

Over 250,000 gastric sleeve surgeries are performed every year. While there are several weight loss surgery options, the gastric sleeve procedure is a popular choice because it has fewer food restrictions and reduces the risk of unpleasant side effects such as ulcers, cramping, and diarrhea. 

It’s essential to choose an experienced surgeon to perform your weight loss surgery in order to improve your chances of success. The weight loss surgeons at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, are the most experienced providers in Georgia. Here, they share important information to help you prepare for your surgery.

Set realistic expectations

While gastric sleeve surgery has a high success rate and the vast majority of people report that their life improves, you may not turn into the supermodel of your dreams. Nevertheless, chances are that you will lose (a lot of) weight. However, weight loss takes time, so keep your expectations realistic.

Get support

Your chances of success will improve if you don’t go through this surgery and weight loss effort alone. Enlist friends and family members to help you stay motivated and be there for you when you have doubts or a bad day.

Address food issues

Many people are obese because of food addictions and unhealthy eating habits. Seek help for those issues before you embark on this surgery and weight loss journey. 

Don’t use these medications

Before your surgery, you’ll be instructed to avoid aspirin, blood thinners, or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, etc.) before surgery. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding these medications.

Stop tobacco use

If you smoke, you should quit to reduce your risk of numerous diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. However, you must quit before this surgery, so seek out help or a quitting program to improve your chances of success. 

Exercise

It’s a good idea to start an exercise program before your surgery if you don’t exercise. This can help prepare your body for a quicker recovery and also help motivate you to continue with it after your procedure.

Follow the pre-surgery diet

Your surgeon will give you instructions on what to eat before your surgery. You must follow this strict food and beverage regimen for a couple of weeks before your gastric sleeve surgery.

Be prepared for your post-surgery diet

A restrictive diet will continue after your surgery. At first, it will include clear liquids. Then you’ll be able to move up to pureed foods and shakes. Soon after, you’ll transition to solid foods. 

Don’t get discouraged

Weight loss takes time. Permanent weight loss takes a lot of work and dedication. It’s important to understand that you’ll experience ups and downs in your mood as well as on the scale. Try to keep a positive attitude and don’t let yourself get discouraged during the downs in moods and ups in the scale. 

If you’re interested in learning more about gastric sleeve surgery, call Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics to make an appointment with one of our expert weight loss surgeons. You can also text us your appointment request or make one online.