A gastric sleeve resection, also called a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of weight-loss surgery done laparoscopically -- through several tiny incisions, rather than one large one. This can reduce some of the risks of surgery and shorten recovery time. Like all types of gastric surgery, following your doctor's orders concerning both pre-op and post-op diet is critical for successful healing.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
During gastric sleeve surgery, your doctor will remove about 80 percent of your stomach, leaving you a tube-shaped stomach that holds much less food. Your new smaller stomach will curb overeating and promote weight loss. Gastric sleeve surgery is often used as a first step in weight-loss surgery for the morbidly obese. After some significant weight loss, a second surgery, usually gastric bypass, can be performed with fewer risks or complications. According to Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery, after the sleeve procedure, you can expect to lose between 30 and 50 percent of your excess weight in the six to 12 months following the surgery. This weight loss often helps control diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Liquid Diet Before Surgery
Before surgery, your doctor may suggest a very low-calorie liquid diet to help you lose as much excess abdominal fat as possible. Losing weight before surgery decreases your risk of surgical complications and can speed recovery. These diets are usually high in protein, low in sugar and formulated to provide essential nutrients, although you may need to take vitamin supplements. Calorie content ranges from 600 to 1,200 calories daily; these diets should only be done under medical supervision. This strict pre-op diet can help prepare you for your post-op diet.
Clear Liquid Diet After Surgery
The first 48 hours after surgery you'll still be in the hospital and will be on a clear liquids diet only. Liquids will be at room temperature and transparent. The diet includes diet ginger ale or other clear sodas -- which should be flat, with no carbonation, sugar-free punch mixes, herbal teas, clear broth and fruit juices, which should be diluted with water -- a 50:50 mix of juice and water. You may also have sugar-free gelatin. Do not use a straw, which could introduce air bubbles into your system. Sip slowly -- just 1 to 2 oz. over a 30-minute period.
Full Liquid Diet After Surgery
After the first two days of clear liquids, you will transition to liquids only for the next two weeks. It's common for your doctor to recommend protein shakes or supplements; protein aids recovery and helps you keep lean muscle mass. All liquids should be sugar-free and nonfat or low-fat. You may have yogurt; very thin hot breakfast cereals such as infant rice cereal or cream of wheat; pudding; custard; strained soups that do not include more than broth; and smoothies, although you may need to limit the fruit smoothies due to the natural sugar content. After two weeks of a liquid diet, you may be ready to add pureed foods to your diet; it depends on how quickly your body is healing. Always follow your doctor's recommendations.
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