Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS) Recovery
After undergoing Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS) surgery, it's not uncommon to experience pain and discomfort, as well as fatigue and grogginess following the surgery. This is common for all patients, and thankfully you will be here on-site at Tijuana Bariatrics for the early days of recovery. You will be monitored for potential complications and any other medical concerns. Should anything arise, you will be tended to as soon as possible.
We'd like to offer a brief rundown of the SILS recovery process right now. It should give you a good idea of what to expect following surgery and why our approach to post-op care is so helpful, reassuring, and convenient.
Rest and Recovery After SILS
Getting proper rest is important as you recover from SILS. Be sure to refrain from strenuous physical activity until your surgeon advises you otherwise. It's important that your energy be saved in the first days after surgery, so take time to relax and heal.
Walk Around to Promote Circulation
Even though strenuous physical activity will need to be avoided for a few weeks after your SILS procedure, it's important that patients walk around a little as soon as they are able to do so. Walking after surgery will help promote proper blood circulation. This will prevent blood clots from forming in the legs, which can lead to serious complications.
Dealing with Pain and Discomfort
Patients of SILS will experience post-surgical soreness in varying degrees as they recovery, with most of the pain occurring in the days following the surgery. Thankfully the pain is manageable. Be sure to use any pain medications provided as recommended. Any issues with significant pain can be addressed in our facility in those key early days of healing.
Dietary Changes After SILS
After SILS, patients will have to adjust their diet. This will help with the healing process, and with reacquainting your revised stomach to solid foods. A more detailed version of the post-SILS diet will be provided during the consultation process, but briefly, the post-surgical diet is typically as follows:
- Phase One – Only clear liquids
- Phase Two – Creamy or pureed foods
- Phase Three – Soft foods carefully cooked and prepared
- Phase Four – Solid foods slowly reincorporated
Typically each phase is about a week long, give or take. Patients should go at their own pace, savor their food, and pay attention to what they're feeling as they eat.
SILS Healing Time vs. Traditional Gastric Sleeve
Since there is just one incision during SILS compared to traditional gastric sleeve surgery, healing times tend to be a little faster. Keep in mind that this can still vary a fair amount from patient to patient.
Post-Surgical Scarring and What to Expect
Thanks to the way SILS is performed, post-surgical scarring is not noticeable on the abdomen itself. People will have to look very closely at your belly button to notice the surgical scar. That said, patients should follow all post-op instructions carefully. This will ensure a speedy recovery as well as reduced risk of complications.
Discuss Issues with Your Surgeon as They Arise
One of the best parts of undergoing surgery at our practice is that you will be under our care in the crucial first days after surgery. Should any issues arise following surgery or if any concerns come up in these early days of healing, patients are encouraged to discuss these matters with our team. We'll be more than happy to address concerns as they arise to help you on the road to wellness, weight loss, and improved health.
Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery
To learn more about recovering from SILS and other kinds of bariatric surgery procedures, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgery experts today. We will work closely with you to help ensure you have realistic expectations about all of your surgical options.
