Aftercare & Recovery following Sleeve Gastrectomy

The aftercare and recovery after having Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is just as important as the preparation for, and the surgery itself. You will need to research into what type of aftercare package you will be receiving, these packages will differ on the NHS, from private health care clinics and abroad.  It is best to in a sense ‘shop around’ and ensure that you will be receiving the best aftercare package for the amount of money you pay. Be sure to read small print, and to look into what might happen if complications occur -for example some clinics might not cover additional surgery.

Aftercare packages

As stated above the aftercare packages available to you will differ, usually within the UK either through the NHS or through private health care the packages will be pretty similar. Usually you will be covered for between 12 and 24 months, for checkups and guidance when needed. You will receive guidance from a specialist support team, usually made up of your surgeon, specialist nurses, a dietician and a psychologist. Some teams will include an exercise specialist as well as other individuals, this will require your research, and if you feel that you may struggle most with the exercise part of the process perhaps ensure your specialist team will include someone who can give you that advice. The majority of aftercare packages will include a 24 hour emergency telephone hotline as well as access to specialist treatment during the process. Some clinics will however not cover the cost of these treatments or checkups, this will require you to either ask at your consultation or just research into as many aftercare packages as possible to ensure you receive the best treatment and guidance available to you.


How long will it take to recover

The Sleeve Gastrectomy operation will take usually around an hour and a half, and you will be required to stay in hospital for between 1 and 2 days, obviously if complications occur your stay will be increased. You will usually recover enough to return to work after a week, although every patient is different. The majority of patients will feel up to exercise and back to normal within 4 to 6 weeks after their operation. You will be required to attend a follow up appointment about a week post operation, and you will over the next coming months attend various check up appointments to ensure your recovery is on track. If you are to have a second surgery as the sleeve gastrectomy was part of 2 surgeries, you will usually be ready for the next surgery within 12-18 months. It is your responsibility to follow a strict diet, which of course will assist in your weight loss as well as your health, this will be drawn up by you and a dietician and if at all times you follow the advice given this will ensure your swift recovery.

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