After gastric sleeve surgery, patients are advised to wait at least three weeks before swimming. This should be followed by four weeks for a hot tub. However, patients may shower as early as two days after the surgery. However, patients with open wounds or other conditions that delay healing should refrain from swimming for longer.
Swimming after gastric sleeve surgery
Swimming after a gastric sleeve operation is not a contraindication for weight loss. However, following the correct swimming form is essential to minimize the risk of joint injury. Swimming improperly can lead to a shoulder strain, leg sinking, and overuse injury. Patients should avoid swimming for three to 14 days after their surgery.
Professionals never swim on a full stomach. Instead, they eat during the race to have the energy to last the entire race. However, beginning abdominal exercises six weeks after surgery is not a good idea. These exercises should be performed slowly while combining low-intensity aerobic exercise and stretching exercises. The activities focus on strengthening the abdomen muscles and the latissimus dorsi (under the armpit).
Swimming is an excellent exercise after bariatric surgery. It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions to increase the intensity of your exercise program gradually. In addition to swimming, patients should avoid lifting heavy weights for at least six weeks after the surgery. If you undergo laparoscopic surgery, doctors may recommend a three-week waiting period before swimming.
Return to work
The time required to return to work after gastric sleeving depends on the type of job and your situation. However, most employers will allow you some time off to recover. It would help if you also asked your doctor for advice regarding your return to work. He will be able to advise you whether returning early will be beneficial for you.
After the surgery, patients can return to work within four to six weeks. It’s advisable to continue the habits you developed during recovery, especially drinking 2 liters of water a day. Moreover, it would help if you avoid strenuous activities for the first few weeks following the procedure.
Once you’ve had your gastric sleeve surgery, you should allow your body at least two weeks to heal. You should avoid consuming too much food right after the surgery. Your body needs time to recover and isn’t ready to function normally until fully recovered. However, if you’re feeling well, you can slowly increase your activity level and resume your everyday lifestyle.
Pain medications
During recovery, patients should refrain from swimming and using a hot or bathtub for at least three weeks. The same guidelines apply to showering, which should be avoided for longer if open wounds are present. Patients undergoing other surgical procedures should not swim or use a hot tub until the wounds are fully healed.
After the surgery, patients should begin eating and drinking again slowly and with caution. It’s best to start with healthy foods and avoid alcohol for at least a year after surgery. Your healthcare provider will guide you through these changes and help you adjust to your new lifestyle. You’ll need to take prescription pain medications for the first two weeks. These can become habit-forming and may cause side effects.
After the surgery, stitches will need to be removed. It could take three to 14 days for absorbable stitches to dissolve. If you’ve recently had gastric sleeve surgery, you should consult your surgeon to determine when you can return to swimming.
Walking
Walking after gastric sleeve surgery is one of the best ways to regain your physical activity levels and improve your health. You can begin with a few short walks around your neighborhood or house, but you should gradually increase your activity level. Walking improves circulation and strengthens the body. It also helps you transition into a more strenuous exercise regimen. After gastric sleeve surgery, you can gradually increase your intensity, duration, and pace.
Your medical team will recommend a specific exercise program after gastric sleeve surgery. At first, you should start slowly with low-impact exercises, such as walking and hamstring stretches. Once you’ve begun walking, you can pick up the pace as the surgeon recommends.
Showering with mild soap and water
It is important to shower with mild soap and water after gastric sleeve surgery. While the surgical incision is not soft, this is the best way to keep it clean. Showering should be done with a mild antibacterial soap. This soap should be applied without a washcloth.
Showering with mild soap and water after gastric sleeve surgery will help you recover faster. On the first day after surgery, you should continue brushing your teeth and taking a warm shower with plenty of water. It will be a week or two before you can return to your routine. You can resume normal activities within seven to 10 days, but avoiding heavy physical activities for the first six weeks after surgery is essential.
Low-sugar liquids
A low-sugar liquid diet is crucial to recovering from gastric sleeve surgery. The first week after surgery is about liquids – broth, soup, gelatins, low-calorie sports drinks, and water. Sodas are off-limits. Adherence to these guidelines can ensure your gastric sleeve recovery is maintained. Before starting your liquid diet, talk with your surgeon about your medication restrictions.
You’ll need to switch to a complete liquid diet during the first week after gastric surgery. A complete liquid diet is different from a “clear” liquid diet. A full liquid is a food you can’t see but turns into a liquid when kept at room temperature.
When you first start your liquid diet, remember to avoid spiking. The goal is to drink enough liquid to keep you feeling full but not overwhelm your body. Drinking liquids should be warm rather than cold, which will relax your stomach muscles. You might feel nausea or pain if you do not drink enough water. During this time, avoid thick meats and soft bread.
Avoiding strenuous activity
During the first two to three weeks after surgery, a person can begin an exercise program, although it is best to avoid heavy lifting and exercise with raised arms. The goal is to keep the incision healing and minimize the risk of abdominal hernias. After this period, patients can gradually increase the amount of exercise they perform.
After gastric sleeve surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting and exercise for about six weeks. You should consult your healthcare provider about your exercise routine during this time. If this is your first time exercising, jogging or other strenuous activities might be daunting. However, you can follow the “3 Step Plan” to help you begin exercising safely. You can start with level two and work up to level three. Simple activities such as walking to work or visiting colleagues can be exercised.
Even though physical activity can be intimidating after gastric sleeve surgery, it is essential to keep your body healthy after the procedure. While you won’t be able to jog or lift heavy weights for at least six weeks, you can do aerobic exercises for eight to 12 weeks after surgery. The key is ensuring you stay well-hydrated and have water available while engaging in physical activities.
Weight loss
Gastric sleeve patients can expect to lose up to 60 percent of their excess weight in the first year after the surgery. Excess weight is the amount of weight the patient weighs over their ideal weight. For example, a patient who weighs 400 pounds should expect to lose around 135 pounds.
The procedure can help patients reduce their risk for several health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. Moreover, gastric sleeve patients will feel full faster. The surgery will require effective self-care, and many of these habits should be established in the early postoperative years.
Most gastric sleeve patients lose 50-60% of their excess weight within the first year. However, weight loss depends on a patient’s lifestyle and diet. Nevertheless, weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery can be substantial if the patient follows a new diet and exercise regime.
