The day after gastric sleeve surgery

Day 1: Immediately after surgery

Important to know

You will start to drink post operatively and will progress to milk and yoghurt
Getting up and moving as soon as possible is important
You will be given medication to reduce the risk of clots
Keeping fluid intake up is important

Make sure you sip slowly and stop when you feel full. During the day if you can manage it you will build up to fluids like soup, yoghurt, custard, milk and cordial. Remember to leave half hour gaps before and after your 3 meals. Here are some things you can do to help your recovery and lower the risk of complications:

Get up and walk as much as possible (the first few times your nurse will help you).
Move your feet and calves as much as possible. You’ll be wearing white stockings and we’ll give you small injections under the skin to reduce the risk of clots.-

If all is well and you are tolerating your diet you may be able to go home

Going home

If you can manage it you can try some puréed food. Don’t worry if this is too difficult, the main thing is to keep up your fluids between meals. Eat slowly and stop when you feel full. Keep walking as much as you can.

When you’re at home, remember to take small bites: chew, chew, chew (25 times) and put the knife and fork or spoon down between bites.