It is obvious that you are wondering how long it will take exactly until you are fully recovered. This may vary according to the kind of surgery and from one person to another. The average recovery after a stomach reduction is three to six weeks, so with a little luck, you will be active again quite quickly.
Of course, many factors are in your own hands. The more you try to do your best to improve your recovery, the quicker you will recover.
What can I do myself to recover as quickly as possible?
After surgery, you will undoubtedly get a lot of information from your surgeon. He will not only tell you about the possible side effects, but he will also inform you about the further development of your recovery. Try to follow that advice as precisely as possible.
Recovery after stomach reduction happens in several phases. The first weeks after surgery, the stomach needs to heal. Obviously, every center has its own specific approach, but mostly, preference is given to fluid food, to gradually switch to semi-solid food or mixed food. After the recovery period, you can switch to normal, healthy food.
- Phase 1: Usually, you can go home soon after a stomach reduction (after 1 or 2 days) and you start with fluid food, such as:
- Skimmed, semi-skimmed or butter milk
- Low-fat yoghurt, pudding or cottage cheese
- Mixed vegetable soups or broth
- Protein rich preparations
- Phase 2: During the first 14 days, you mainly eat mashed food you barely need to chew, such as:
- Mixed or stewed fruit without sugar, such as apple sauce
- Potato mash and cooked or mixed vegetables
- A boiled egg, cooked fish, minced meat or chicken
- Phase 3: As soon as the first two weeks are over, you can try to eat normal, healthy food. Remember that you will have to eat much smaller portions than before. And take your time to chew your food well.
When can I wash myself after a stomach reduction?
You can take a shower one day after surgery. As soon as the little wounds are healed completely, you can also take a bath. It is extremely important to follow this rule, to avoid unnecessary complications.
When can I start moving again after a stomach reduction?
In any case, it is recommended to keep practicing sports and to move after a stomach reduction to respect a healthy lifestyle. Usually, your body will let you know when it is fully recoverd and when you can start practicing sports again. You will be able to ride a bike or to walk after a few days already.
During the first 6 weeks, you should not lift any high objects. Intense activities and household chores (such as floor swapping, vacuum cleaning, window cleaning, …) during which you have to ben dover a lot, are out of the question. Power training, fitness or crossfit are not recommended either.
Usually, you can start working again after 4 weeks.
Wie esse und trinke ich am besten nach meiner Operation?
One golden rule is: put your meal on a small plate. This way, you will know immediately how you can take into account smaller portions. If you were used to eating immense meals, this will be a little mental adjustment in the beginning.
Furthermore, it is important to remember the following:
- Spread the meals over the whole day.
- Eat very slowly and chew well.
- Drink enough water between the meals.
- Drink beverages not containing any added sugar, such as water, tea, coffee, broth, ...
- Limit or avoid sugar. Sugar is absorbed very quickly in the small intestine and may lead to dumping. That is why you should also be cautious with fruit juices and alcoholic beverages.
- Don’t forget your proteins. These are extra important for your muscles. You can find proteins in all kinds of meat products, chicken, fish, nuts, egg and dairy products. It is recommended toe at a minimum of 60 grams of proteins per day.
- Limit the intake of lipids. Lipids are digested more slowly and are less easily absorbed by the small intestine. However, do not scrap all fats from you diet, because your body needs fats, but especially unsaturated fats, such as fats from fish.
- Keep taking your vitamins meticulously. You will have to pay attention to this for the rest of your life.
You can find more diet tips on our website.
When can I start driving a car again after a stomach reduction?
This varies from one person to another. While one person will feel fit again after two weeks, others will need some more time. Listen to your body. Start with short distances and build up gradually. Try to avoid a long-distance rides immediately after surgery.
If you follow these tips meticulously, recovery after stomach reduction will go smoothly. Do you suffer from side effects anyway? Consult your doctor or dietician.
