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.
Don’t push yourself too fast, and always discuss your exercise routine with your doctor to make sure you’re on the right track for a quick and easy recovery.
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
Individual Healing Process
At BMI, we understand that everyone’s healing journey is unique, and not everyone heals at the same pace. The timeline for your return to work will depend on how you recover and if you encounter any complications that might make the healing process longer. We take an individualized approach to your recovery so you’ll feel cared for and understood throughout your journey.
Regardless of where you work, you should listen to your body and keep in touch with your physician, especially when doing anything physical. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits.
Save Time and Discover the New You With the BMI Priority Pass!
Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery offers a Priority Pass for qualified patients. This offer allows patients worldwide to get top-quality care from the best bariatric surgeons around.
We designed the Priority Pass program around the gastric sleeve procedure, which is considered the most effective procedure for patients seeking significant weight loss. The bariatric procedures at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are completed by highly experienced, board-certified bariatric surgeons who have completed thousands of surgeries across the southeast.
With the priority pass, patients receive a consultation, pre-operative testing (if needed), and bariatric surgery within two days at our outpatient surgical center. This program is also offered at an affordable price.
Patients traveling a long distance can be seen for the required follow-up appointments through telemedicine so that they can continue to receive needed care from the comfort of their homes.
Convenient Bariatric Surgery at BMI
After gastric sleeve surgery, it’s crucial to stay committed to your health and well-being. Each individual’s recovery journey is unique, and we’re prepared to answer all specific concerns or questions about what is right for you. Don’t hesitate to contact BMI for personalized support. You can call us anytime at (205) 858-1211.
