Preparation Tips for Gastric Sleeve Surgery: What You Need to Know

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrostomy, is a surgical weight-loss procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch. This restricts the amount of food you can eat, helping you feel full more quickly and reducing the amount of food you need to feel satisfied.

While gastric sleeve Melbourne surgery can be a highly effective way to achieve significant weight loss and improve your overall health, it’s essential to be well-prepared before undergoing the procedure. 

Proper preparation can help ensure a successful surgery and a smoother recovery process. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to prepare for gastric sleeve surgery, including mental, physical, logistical, and emotional preparation tips.

Understanding Gastric Sleeve Surgery:

Before we dive into the preparation tips, let’s briefly discuss what gastric sleeve surgery is and how it works. During a gastric sleeve procedure, the surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch. This pouch restricts the amount of food you can eat, leading to weight loss.

Gastric sleeve surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach and, therefore, the amount of food it can hold. This helps you feel full more quickly and reduces the production of hunger-inducing hormones, leading to decreased appetite and fewer cravings.

Gastric sleeve surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.

Preparing Mentally and Emotionally:

Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery involves more than just physical readiness; it also requires mental and emotional preparation. Here are some tips to help you prepare mentally and emotionally for the procedure:

1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to research and learn as much as you can about the surgery, including the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and fear.
2. Manage Expectations: It’s essential to have realistic expectations about the results of gastric sleeve surgery. While it can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in health, it’s not a quick fix or a guarantee of success.
3. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family members, or a therapist about your feelings and concerns regarding the surgery. Having a support system in place can provide comfort and reassurance during the preparation process.

Preparing Physically:

Preparing physically for gastric sleeve surgery involves making lifestyle changes to improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure. Here are some physical preparation tips:

1. Follow Pre-Surgery Diet Guidelines: Your surgeon may recommend a pre-surgery diet to help shrink your liver and reduce the risk of complications during surgery. This diet may include high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods and liquids.
2. Start Exercising: Begin incorporating regular exercise into your routine to improve your cardiovascular health and stamina. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
3. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: If you smoke, quitting smoking before surgery can reduce the risk of complications and improve your overall health. Additionally, limiting alcohol intake can help you achieve better weight loss results after surgery.

Preparing Logistically:

In addition to mental and physical preparation, it’s essential to make logistical arrangements before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. Here are some logistical preparation tips:

1. Plan Time off Work: Depending on your job and the type of surgery you’re having, you may need to take several days to weeks off work to recover. Talk to your employer about your upcoming surgery and make arrangements for time off.
2. Arrange Transportation: You will need someone to drive you to and from the hospital on the day of your surgery. Arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you and provide transportation.
3. Organise Childcare or Pet Care: If you have children or pets, make arrangements for their care while you’re in the hospital and recovering at home. This will help reduce stress and ensure that you can focus on your recovery.

Understanding the Risks and Complications:

Like any surgical procedure, gastric sleeve Melbourne surgery carries risks and potential complications. It’s essential to understand these risks and take steps to minimise them. Some common risks and complications of gastric sleeve surgery include:

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Leaks from the surgical site
4. Blood clots
5. Gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting

To minimise these risks, be sure to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include taking medications to prevent blood clots, adhering to a specific diet, and avoiding certain activities during the recovery period.

Preparing Your Home:

Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, take the time to prepare your home for your recovery. Here are some tips to make your home recovery-friendly:

1. Stock Up on Supplies: Before your surgery, stock up on essential supplies such as pain medications, wound care supplies, and nutritious foods.
2. Create a Comfortable Recovery Space: Set up a comfortable space in your home where you can rest and recover after surgery. This may include a cosy chair or recliner, plenty of pillows, and entertainment such as books, movies, or music.
3. Arrange for Assistance: You may need help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care during your recovery. Arrange for a friend or family member to assist you during the first few days or weeks after surgery.

Building a Support System:

Having a strong support system in place is essential for a successful recovery from gastric sleeve surgery. Here are some tips for building a support system:

1. Communicate Your Needs: Talk to your friends and family members about your upcoming surgery and let them know how they can support you during your recovery.
2. Join a Support Group: Consider joining a support group for individuals who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery. These groups can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and emotional support during your recovery.
3. Find an Accountability Partner: Partnering with someone who has similar goals can help keep you motivated and accountable throughout your weight loss journey. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or fellow surgery patient, having someone to share your experiences with can make a big difference.

Preparing for Life after Surgery:

Finally, it’s essential to prepare for life after gastric sleeve surgery. Here are some tips to help you adjust to your new lifestyle:

1. Follow Post-Surgery Diet Guidelines: Your surgeon will provide you with specific dietary guidelines to follow after surgery. These may include consuming small, frequent meals and avoiding certain foods and beverages.
2. Make Lifestyle Changes: Gastric sleeve surgery is a tool to help you lose weight, but long-term success requires making permanent lifestyle changes. This may include adopting healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, and managing stress.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery is typically gradual and may vary from person to person. Set realistic goals for your weight loss journey and celebrate your progress along the way.

Final Preparations before Surgery:

As your surgery date approaches, there are a few final preparations you’ll need to make to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s a checklist of things to do in the days leading up to your gastric sleeve surgery:

1. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions: Follow any pre-surgery instructions provided by your surgeon, including guidelines for eating and drinking before surgery, as well as any medications you need to take.
2. Attend Pre-Surgery Appointments: Attend any pre-surgery appointments, such as pre-operative testing or consultations with your surgeon and anaesthesiologist.
3. Prepare for Your Hospital Stay: Pack a bag with essential items for your hospital stay, including comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any medications or medical supplies you may need.
4. Finalise Recovery Plans: Confirm arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital, as well as any assistance you may need during your recovery at home.
5. Stay Positive and Relaxed: Focus on staying positive and relaxed in the days leading up to your surgery. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise.

Final Words

By following these preparation tips, you can help ensure a successful gastric sleeve Melbourne surgery and a smoother recovery process. Remember to stay in close communication with your healthcare team and reach out for support if you need it. 

With proper preparation and support, you can achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health and well-being. Good luck on your journey to a healthier you.