Weight loss recommendation

Weight Loss General Considerations

The same day of surgery you will go home, it will be common to feel weak and tired for a few days after discharge. Your body will need a few days to recover from the surgery. Also, the feeling of weakness is normal and may last for a few days as your body begins to get rid of the extra pounds.

Weight Loss General Considerations

The same day of surgery you will go home, it will be common to feel weak and tired for a few days after discharge. Your body will need a few days to recover from the surgery. Also, the feeling of weakness is normal and may last for a few days as your body begins to get rid of the extra pounds.
  • 1. You will go home a few hours after your surgical procedure.
  • 2. For your surgery you will need to have a companion, during your first days and the day of surgery.
  • 3. You may shower but not bathe until authorized by a physician.
  • 4. Do not perform any strenuous activity, especially heavy lifting, for approximately 4-6 weeks.
  • 5. Walk as much as you want and climb as many stairs as you need.
  • 6. You can return to work 1 to 4 weeks after bariatric surgery. The time to return to work will depend on the type of work you do and how physically demanding it is.

1 week before surgery

  1. If you are taking any of these medications, please notify the specialist: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Coumadin or Plavix. As these medications tend to cause an increase in bleeding risks during surgery.
  2. Follow the respective no-calorie diet instructions as advised during your previous appointment with our team.

1 day before surgery

  1. Our team will contact you to let you know your estimated time of arrival at our facility. Generally, this will be 2-3 hours prior to surgery.
  2. Maintain a liquid diet. 
  3. You should start fasting at 12:00 midnight.
  4. You may bathe the night before surgery or the morning of surgery.
  5. Prepare your suitcase beforehand, wear pajamas or comfortable clothes. You will only need the essentials for the few hours you will be with us, since you will be going home the same day of the procedure. Do not wear makeup ou jewelry and do not bring bags with you.

The day of surgery

This is a day full of excitement for patients, which can generate nerves and/or anxiety. Please remember that this is completely normal and, as part of our support, we strive to make you feel as calm and comfortable as possible.

The person you choose to accompany you can do so until you are taken to the operating room. Your support person also has the option of waiting in our comfortable admission area. On that day, we will ask you to arrive at our facility two hours before your procedure. This will give us the flexibility to move your procedure up if there are any cancellations.

How long does the operation last?

The gastric sleeve usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours. It is a laparoscopic procedure, which means that small incisions are made in the abdomen to reduce the size of the stomach and limit the amount of food that can be eaten, thus facilitating significant and sustained weight loss.

After surgery

At the end of the surgery, patients spend 1 to 2 hours in our recovery room and, once stable, can return home the same day.

Once you are fully recovered from the anesthesia, we recommend that you try to get up and take small steps to improve circulation and support your recovery. We prescribe pain medication to ensure your comfort during the process.

The bariatric diet will begin the next day, and it is common to experience some nausea or even vomiting at first, which will be managed with medication. Remember that each day after surgery you will feel better and more prepared to enjoy the results of your transformation. We are here to accompany you every step of the way!

Recovery

What you need to know after your surgery

You will be discharged the same day of your bariatric surgery, and you will spend a few hours in our recovery room until the anesthesia has worn off and you feel completely stable. It is normal to feel weak and tired for the first few days after discharge. Your body will need a few days to recover from the impact of the surgery, and this feeling of weakness may spread as you begin to shed the extra weight.

Follow-ups

We want you to achieve the best possible results in your weight loss process. Postoperative follow-up after bariatric surgery is essential, and we have found that patients who keep their follow-up appointments lose significantly more weight than those who do not. To encourage all our patients to come to their follow-ups, we include the first three follow-up visits at no charge.

¿Por qué es importante asistir a sus citas de seguimiento?

  • Monitoring of dietary guidelines: At each appointment, we will evaluate your eating habits and adjust recommendations to ensure that your diet is aligned with your health goals.
  • Prevention of deficiencies: Follow-up visits allow you to detect, early on, possible vitamin and iron deficiencies that may arise in the weight loss process. If you do not perform the necessary controls and blood tests, you could develop a lack of some nutrients that in some cases may require treatments such as injections or transfusions, depending on the diagnosis.

In addition, we encourage you to attend support groups to gain additional motivation and share experiences with others on the same path. Your success is our priority, and we are here to accompany you at every stage of your transformation.

First postoperative consultation

Scheduled 1-2 weeks after bariatric surgery.

Second postoperative consultation

Scheduled 4-5 weeks after bariatric surgery. Here a new solid diet is prescribed.

Quarterly consultations

Scheduled at approximately 3-month intervals during the first year after surgery.

Make it

Diet and nutrition

After surgery, you will start with a liquid diet, followed by soft foods, and eventually you will be able to incorporate normal foods as you progress. Our specialist will provide you with a personalized eating plan, but here are some general recommendations for this transition:

  • Prioritize protein: Start your meals with protein sources to ensure adequate nutrition.
  • Eat slowly: Your brain needs time to register that your stomach is full, and eating fast can lead to overeating.
  • Chew well: When starting to eat solid foods, it is essential to chew them thoroughly.
  • Avoid liquids while eating: Drinking while eating can make you feel full before you consume enough nutrients.
  • Forget sugary desserts: Avoid desserts and foods in which sugar is among the first three ingredients.
  • Limit liquid calories: Omit carbonated beverages, caloric shakes, high-sugar supplements and fatty foods.
  • Avoid alcohol: Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.
  • Control portions: Use measuring spoons and cups at each meal to learn to manage portions accurately.

Following these guidelines will facilitate the transition to a healthy lifestyle and optimize your postoperative results.

Life after surgery

After bariatric surgery, you will begin to lose weight gradually, with a greater reduction in the first few months. In the long term, at Ideal Plastic Surgery we place greater emphasis on the consistency of weight loss than on speed. It is normal for the rate of loss to slow down after a period of time, as the body eliminates fat tissue rather than muscle mass. The more fat tissue is reduced, the less fat remains to be lost.

To optimize your results, take into account these recommendations:

  • Attend your follow-up visits with our medical and support team. These visits are essential to monitor your progress and adjust your plan.
  • Eat smaller portions and listen to your body. Stop when you feel satisfied.
  • Opt for nutritious foods. Good nutrition is key to maintaining your health and energy after surgery.
  • Take your vitamin and mineral supplements as directed by your doctor.
  • Incorporate regular physical activity that you enjoy and can maintain over the long term.
  • Join support groups to share your experience, learn from others and receive additional motivation.
  • Celebrate your achievements with your loved ones.

 Remember that every step counts in your ideal weight loss adventure!