One of the most frequently asked questions about bariatric surgeries, such as the gastric sleeve, is, “What can I do after surgery?” People are often concerned about how much downtime they will have for recovery and when they can return to their normal lives. This concern is even more significant for people who need to travel to get the medical care they need, a practice sometimes referred to as medical tourism.
At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we understand that not everyone who needs our help lives near us, and many people will want to travel to get the best bariatric surgery care. We offer options to help people achieve healthy bodies and return to their lives as soon as possible. We especially make it easy for those who have to travel.
In this post, we’ll discuss what you can and can’t do after the gastric sleeve procedure, including how soon you can travel back to the comfort of your own home.
Can you travel after bariatric surgery?
Many people travel to get surgery. In fact, at least 2% of bariatric procedure patients travel each year globally. Depending on your situation, you may be able to travel the day after surgery. For example, patients who qualify for Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery’s Priority Pass can get a consultation on the day they arrive, complete a gastric sleeve procedure on day two, and return home on the third day. You will require assistance when traveling after surgery, which you should build into the plan you create with your physician for your support network.Flying
Some patients should not fly after getting surgery. However, patients who qualify for the Priority Pass at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will be able to fly home the day after surgery.Travel Timeline
You will need plenty of time to rest after surgery, especially if you live far away and must make a long trip. If you live two hours or more away from our surgery location in Birmingham, AL, we require you to stay overnight in a hotel close to the hospital. For specific travel timelines and when you can fly, it’s crucial to consult your physician. Our team will assess your unique condition, considering your healing outlook and medical history, to provide personalized advice for your safe recovery.What kind of exercises can you do after bariatric surgery?
The types of exercise you can do after a bariatric surgery, like the gastric sleeve procedure, will vary depending on where you are in your healing journey. Typically, exercise will increase in intensity in three stages during your recovery:- In stage one, you must get up and move as much as possible. This will help improve blood circulation and aid in the recovery process. Even just walking around your house will help.
- As you gain more strength and stamina, you can start gentle joint exercises like elliptical machine training, swimming, and Tai Chi. Listen to your body and talk to your doctor before changing your exercise routine.
- Finally, as your body fully recovers, you should begin more intense aerobic and strength training exercises. Your doctor will tell you when your body has healed enough to start these exercises.
When can you go back to work after bariatric surgery?
We consider many factors when determining how soon you can resume work. Depending on your type of work and your healing process, it can take anywhere from three days to a week. Type of Work If your job has you sitting at a desk most of the day, you will likely be back at it after a few days. However, if you work in a physically demanding job like in construction or a warehouse, you may require more time to heal before you can consider clocking in again. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and heal well after your surgery:- Don’t lift anything over 10 lbs for the first month
- Don’t sit all day – get up from your desk and move around as much as you feel comfortable
