Gastric Sleeve Recovery Guide

• Days 0–2 in hospital: monitored recovery, walking, hydration, pain management.
• Days 3–7: light activity, clear and full-liquid diet as advised.
• Weeks 2–4: gradual transition to pureed foods per surgical team guidance.
• Weeks 4–6: introduction of soft foods, return to most daily activities.
• Months 2–3: progression to regular textures based on tolerance and team approval.
• Months 3–12+: long-term lifestyle, nutrition, and follow-up plan.

This is a general educational guide. Always follow your surgical team's specific instructions.

• Most patients are cleared to fly home within a few days of discharge, per clinical evaluation.
• Stay hydrated and walk regularly during travel to reduce clot risk.
• Travel with prescribed medications, post-op instructions, and emergency contacts.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity per your surgeon's guidance.

• Stage 1 — Clear liquids: water, broth, sugar-free electrolytes.
• Stage 2 — Full liquids: protein shakes, strained soups.
• Stage 3 — Pureed foods: smooth, protein-forward textures.
• Stage 4 — Soft foods: easily chewable proteins and cooked vegetables.
• Stage 5 — Regular textures: long-term balanced bariatric eating.

Hydration, protein intake, and recommended vitamin and mineral supplementation are lifelong components of bariatric aftercare.

Follow-up commonly includes scheduled check-ins, lab work to monitor nutritional status, and nutrition or behavioral support. Long-term success after any bariatric procedure is strongly associated with consistent follow-up and adherence to the aftercare plan.