Understanding the Recovery Timeline for Gastric Sleeve Plication

The stomach is folded in half and sutured during gastric sleeve plication to reduce its size. Many patients prefer this procedure because it does not require rerouting the digestive tract or surgical removal of a portion of the stomach. In addition, results can be reversed at a later time if desired.

The following is a general recovery timeline for gastric sleeve plication procedures. You will be able to shower and engage in light activity about five days after the process, but you should not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds. On the seventh day, you will be encouraged to use over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate any remaining discomfort. You can also incorporate smoothies, soups, and thicker beverages into your diet. You can resume driving once you have stopped taking prescription pain relievers.

Because recovery time is often longer than with a traditional gastric sleeve, it’s critical to understand what’s involved so you can take the necessary time off work and have a smooth recovery. Although the procedure can vary depending on each patient’s needs, the basic gastric sleeve plication recovery timeline is provided below to give you a good idea of what to expect.

How Long Does It Take To Recover?

The recovery period is normally four to six weeks long, and you should take two to three weeks off work. Patients with jobs that require little physical activity may be able to return to work after about a week, but they will still be tired and sore.

·         First Week

The surgical procedure will take about two to three hours, and you will be kept overnight in the clinic so that our team can closely monitor you for any complications. You will be encouraged to get up and move around within the first 24 hours. It’s normal to feel fatigued, achy, or queasy after surgery, but we’ll give you medication to help you feel better.

You will be given a small amount of liquid to drink the day after surgery to ensure that everything is working correctly. If no complications arise, you can start drinking clear fluids. Before you are released to go home, the doctor will go over your post-surgical instructions with you; these should be carefully followed and will include:

1. How to Maintain Clean Incisions
2. Infection warning signs
3. To be taken medications
4. Specific dietary recommendations
5. Things to do and things to avoid

·         Second To Third Week

The incisions should no longer require bandaging, and you can start using special ointments to aid in healing. If pain persists, use over-the-counter medications as needed. Continue to walk and engage in light activity, and if you feel up to it, return to work. If your body responds well to the thicker drinks, you can start incorporating soft, pureed foods.

You can begin introducing solid foods at the start of week three. During this time, it’s critical to keep any follow-up appointments so the doctor can make sure everything is healing correctly.

·         Fourth To Sixth Week

At this point, the incisions should be healed, and the pain should be gone. By this point, you should be noticing significant weight loss. All regular activity and exercise, including heavy lifting, can be resumed. You can start introducing new meals if your body has responded favorably to the items you’ve been eating up to this point. However, to achieve your weight loss goals, you must eat a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in nutritional value.

The Gastric Plication Procedure: An Overview

Laparoscopic techniques are used in gastric plication, resulting in a faster recovery and less scarring than open surgery. A typical hospital stay lasts 24 to 48 hours. Although recovery times vary, patients can usually return to work and normal activities within seven to ten days.

·         Advantages

1. There is no rerouting of the intestines as with gastric bypass.
2. It does not entail the placement of a banding device around a portion of the stomach.
3. As with gastric banding, no adjustments are required.
4. Unlike sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, this procedure may be reversible.

·         Disadvantages

1. Gastric plication is a newer procedure that hasn’t been as thoroughly tested as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, or gastric bypass.
2. At the moment, insurance does not cover it.

·         Risks

1. The risks of surgery and general anesthesia are well-known.
2. Vomiting and nausea
3. Stitched areas are separated (which would require revisional surgery).
4. Sutured area leakage (which would require revisional surgery).

Our clinic’s staff is dedicated to answering all of your questions and assisting you in determining the best weight-loss surgery for you. In addition, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain your weight-loss objectives.