What to Expect After Surgery
What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Your journey with Dr. Irshad and Dr. Kundhal doesn’t end after surgery — it’s just the start of your exciting new chapter!
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Gastric sleeve surgery is a life-changing experience, and we’re here to guide you through every step of your recovery. With the right care and support, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, more confident version of yourself. We’ve got your back through this important time, so you can focus on embracing your fresh start.
Exceptional Care & Support Every Step of the Way
We’re with you at every stage of your recovery. From helpful tips to practical advice, we’re here to make sure your post-op journey is as smooth and successful as possible. Whether it’s managing discomfort, adjusting to your new diet, or getting back to your favorite activities, Dr. Irshad and Dr. Kundhal are always here to help.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
Recovery Timeline
Here’s a fun breakdown of what’s coming up after your gastric sleeve surgery — we’re in this together!
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2 Weeks Before Surgery
Meet with your dietitian and start your pre-op diet to shrink your liver (this helps make the surgery smoother and safer).
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Days 3-14 After Surgery
Week 1 is all about liquids and blended foods, giving your stomach time to adjust. By Week 3, you’ll feel much better, and your diet will move to soft and pureed foods. Light exercise (hello, low-impact walking!) is key to keeping your body moving.
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18 Months After Surgery
Expect the most significant weight loss within 18 months, but don’t be discouraged if things plateau — it’s totally normal. Just keep pushing forward!
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Directly After Surgery
You’ll hang out at our clinic for a few hours while we make sure you’re doing well. After that, you can head home to relax. Expect some moderate discomfort, but don’t worry — we’ve got pain meds ready to keep you comfortable. Your diet starts with ice chips, and you’ll take little walks every couple of hours.
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1-3 Weeks After Surgery
Start adding in some cardio — running, swimming, or even skipping rope if that’s your thing. At 2 months, you can start enjoying solid foods in small portions (but keep it gentle on your stomach).
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Day 1 After Surgery
Pain should be a little better and controlled with oral meds. You’ll begin a clear liquid diet, and we’ll encourage you to walk (just 15 minutes, three times a day — we promise it’s easy!).
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4-6 Weeks After Surgery
Pain should be minimal or even nonexistent. Time to enjoy your regular diet (still in small portions, of course!) and amp up your workouts! You can even start lifting weights after 6 months.
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Day 2 After Surgery
You may still feel some discomfort, but it’ll be more manageable with your pain meds. Time to start on full liquids like vegetable juice and milk (just skip the alcohol and caffeine for now). More walks and maybe even some stair climbing!
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3 Months After Surgery
This is when the big weight loss results really start to shine!
Post-Operation Exercise Tips
Ready to get moving? Exercise is an important part of your recovery, and Dr. Irshad and Dr. Kundhal recommend taking it slow but steady.
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Avoid abdominal exercises for the first 3 months to allow your incisions to heal.
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Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as you go — listen to your body!
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Always check in with your doctor before starting any new workout routine.
Post-Operation Diet: Setting You Up for Success
Gastric sleeve surgery is just the first step in your journey to a healthier life. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family to help you stay motivated and reach your goals. You’ll experience a lot of changes, both physical and emotional, but with the right support, you’ll come out stronger on the other side.
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Remember, this isn’t a quick fix — it’s a lifestyle change, and Dr. Irshad and Dr. Kundhal are here to help you stay on track.
How Long Will It Take to Lose Weight?
The weight loss process is exciting and gradual! You can expect to lose a good chunk of your excess weight within the first 12-18 months. In the beginning, it’ll be fast — most patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight — but after that, the pace will slow down. Don’t stress! Plateaus are completely normal, and they’re just your body adjusting. Keep moving, stay focused, and you’ll keep seeing results.
How Much Weight Can I Lose?
You can expect to lose 60-70% of your excess weight within the first 18 months. Of course, your results depend on factors like diet, exercise, and lifestyle, but with Dr. Irshad and Dr. Kundhal by your side, you’ll have all the tools you need for long-term success. Keep going — the best is yet to come!
Craving Change Program
At SleeveMD, our patients have exclusive access to the Craving Change® program, a powerful tool that’s a perfect adjunct to your sleeve gastrectomy. While most programs focus on what, when, and how much to eat, Craving Change digs deeper into why we eat the way we do. It helps uncover the emotional and psychological triggers behind food cravings and provides practical strategies to make healthier choices.
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This program is designed to supercharge your results after surgery by helping you understand your eating habits, identify personal triggers, and respond differently. With cognitive-behavioral strategies, you’ll be empowered to create lasting, positive changes in your relationship with food. Craving Change is a great way to boost your progress, whether you’re managing weight loss or dealing with chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes. It’s a light, yet impactful way to support your lifelong health journey at SleeveMD!