Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Diet and Activity Restrictions

Given the transformative nature of gastric sleeve surgery, there are many lifestyle changes after the procedure that are necessary to maintain lasting results. Our weight loss surgeon, Dr. Hossein Bagshahi, and Dr. Laura Gallagher will carefully go over the dietary and activity restrictions you can expect after surgery at the time of your consultation, but our team has also provided a brief primer of the pre- and post-operative guidelines required to achieve the best possible results:

• You will spend the days before your procedure weaning your body from sugars, fats, and carbs, sticking only to high-protein foods, vegetables, and other low-calorie meals. A clear, liquid diet will begin approximately two days before surgery. 
• This liquid diet will continue for the first week of your recovery.
• During the second and third week, you will continue your liquid diet and begin to introduce soft, pureed foods and zero-sugar, zero-fat liquid meals. 
• Healthy, nutrient-rich solid foods can be introduced starting the first month after the procedure. 

When it comes to activity restrictions, our physicians encourage you to ask our team any questions you may have about when you can return to work, exercising, etc. This may vary from patient to patient depending on the unique details of your treatment plan, but in general: 

• Practice light ambulation by walking around for approximately five minutes every hour as soon as you feel strong enough to do so. Getting plenty of rest after bariatric surgery is imperative, but light ambulation can help promote blood flow and facilitate the healing process. 
• Do not take a bath or go swimming for two weeks, or until our physicians advise otherwise.
• Avoid lifting anything over ten pounds for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Refrain from sexual activity until you’re pain-free and there’s no risk of straining your incisions. 
• Do not perform exercises that use core muscles. Only practice exercises that are cleared by your medical team, and avoid strenuous activity for six weeks until you heal internally. 

Questions? Contact Bagshahi Bariatric & General Surgery at our DFW-area office for more information, or to schedule an appointment.