Gastric Sleeve Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for gastric sleeve: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Lifelong Rules
- •Protein first at every meal (60-80g daily minimum)
- •No drinking with meals or 30 min before/after eating
- •Follow supplement recommendations
- •No carbonated beverages (can stretch your pouch/sleeve)
- •Attend all follow-up appointments and support groups
Gastric Sleeve recovery, day by day
Immediate Post-Op
- Walk within 4-6 hours of surgery (with assistance) to prevent blood clots
- Sip clear liquids only: water, sugar-free popsicles, clear broth
- Use incentive spirometer every hour while awake (10 deep breaths)
- Pain managed with IV and/or prescribed medication
Diet: Clear Liquids
- Clear liquids ONLY: water, sugar-free Jello, clear broth, diluted juice
- Sip constantly. Goal: 64oz of fluid per day. No gulping.
- Begin protein supplements if approved by your surgeon
- No carbonated beverages, caffeine, or alcohol
Activity
- Walk 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily. Increase each day.
- No lifting over 10-15 lbs for 4-6 weeks
- Deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia
- Wear compression stockings or use leg compression devices as directed
Diet: Full Liquids
- Advance to full liquids: protein shakes, strained cream soups, yogurt drinks, milk
- 60-80g protein per day. Protein shakes are your best friend.
- Eat (drink) slowly. Meals should take 20-30 minutes.
- Continue hydration goal of 64oz daily (separate from meals)
Warning Signs
- Nausea or vomiting after eating means you're eating too fast or too much
- Some nausea is normal as your body adjusts
- Hair loss may begin at 3-6 months. This is temporary. Keep up protein intake.
Diet: Soft Foods
- Advance to soft foods: scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, mashed beans, soft fish, Greek yogurt
- Chew each bite 20-30 times. Eat slowly. Stop at the first sign of fullness.
- Protein first at every meal. Then vegetables. Carbs last.
- Portions: 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101.5°F
- •Inability to keep any liquids down for more than 24 hours
- •Severe abdominal pain not relieved by medication
- •Rapid heart rate (over 120 bpm at rest)
- •Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- •Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, confusion
- •Redness, swelling, or drainage from incision sites
- •Calf pain or swelling (sign of blood clot)
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 2
Discharge from hospital
Tolerating clear liquids and walking independently
- Day 8
Full liquids phase
Advance diet as tolerated, protein shakes
- Day 22
Soft foods phase
Eating soft, high-protein foods
- Day 14
Post-op follow-up
First surgical follow-up, lab work
- Day 14
Return to work
Most patients return to desk jobs
- Day 42
Regular diet
Modified regular diet with lifelong guidelines
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
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