Welcome to your recovery journey! This guide will walk you through each day of your first week after sleeve revision surgery. Remember, everyone heals at their own pace, but this timeline gives you a general idea of what to expect.
🏥
How You'll Feel
Tired and groggy from anesthesia, some soreness at incision sites, possible gas pain in shoulders
Activities
Walk generously (even just to bathroom), practice breathing exercises every hour while awake
Nutrition
Start with sips of clear liquids as tolerated, IV fluids will keep you hydrated
Medications
IV pain & anti-nausea medication, IV acid reducer (PPI), & blood thinners for clot prevention
🚨 Red Flag: Heart racing or breathing difficulties - notify staff immediately
🚪
How You'll Feel
Pain improving, some fatigue is normal, possible nausea. Overall net improvement
Activities
Continue walking every 2 hours, breathing exercises, may shower
Nutrition
Full liquids in small sips (1-2 oz per 15 min), hydration is priority
Medications
Transition to oral pain meds, PPI for 6 weeks, anti-nausea as needed
🚨 Red Flag: Fever >100.4°F or inability to keep fluids down
🏠
How You'll Feel
Significant improvement, still sore and tired but more mobile
Activities
Increase walking duration, light household activities okay, no lifting >10 lbs
Nutrition
Continue full liquids, aim for 48-64 oz total fluid intake
Medications
Continue PPI, Tylenol for pain, taper narcotic use
🚨 Red Flag: Fever, dehydration signs, incision redness/drainage
💊
How You'll Feel
Pain nearly resolved, possible mood swings ("3-day blues" are common)
Activities
Longer walks (10-15 minutes), resume light chores
Nutrition
Full liquids with protein focus, aim for 60g protein and 64 oz fluids
Medications
PPI, start bariatric vitamins and supplements as tolerated
🚨 Red Flag: New severe pain, rapid heart rate, persistent vomiting
😊
How You'll Feel
Energy returning, incisions may feel itchy (sign of healing!)
Activities
20-minute walks, light housework, still no heavy lifting
Nutrition
Full liquids, can try blended soups for variety
Medications
Tylenol as needed, PPI, continue vitamins & supplements if tolerating well
🚨 Red Flag: Fever, pus at incision sites, sudden sharp pains
⚡
How You'll Feel
Minimal discomfort, independence growing, energy improving
Activities
Light daily routines, desk work possible if feeling up to it
Nutrition
Maintain full liquids, focus on consistent fluid intake throughout day
Medications
PPI, vitamins, Tylenol only as needed
🚨 Red Flag: Signs of infection, calf swelling/pain, worsening symptoms
🚶
How You'll Feel
Nearly normal energy, feeling accomplished and optimistic
Activities
Resume most daily routines, errands okay, continue avoiding heavy lifting
Nutrition
Continue full liquids, protein shakes, hydration habits becoming routine
Medications
Continue PPI and vitamin regimen
🚨 Red Flag: Persistent nausea, dehydration, fever
👨⚕️
How You'll Feel
Energy significantly improved, proud of your progress!
Activities
Follow-up appointment with surgeon, cleared for more activities
Nutrition
May be cleared for purees! Remember: protein first, chew thoroughly, stay hydrated
Medications
Continue vitamin regimen and PPI as directed
🚨 Red Flag: Unable to tolerate purees, persistent vomiting
📋 Important Safety Information
Even though this is a revision surgery, the risks remain very low. The most commonly reported issues after sleeve revision are nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. All other complications are exceedingly rare. By staying hydrated, following your surgeon's instructions, and keeping up with your medications, you're doing everything possible to support a smooth and safe recovery.
Call Your Surgeon Immediately If You Experience:
- Fever above 100.4°F or recurrent chills
- Heart rate over 120 bpm at rest
- Severe abdominal or shoulder pain
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dry lips, extreme fatigue, dizziness)
- Incision infection (redness, pus, unusual swelling)
- Leg swelling or pain (possible blood clot)
🎉 Congratulations!
One week down! You've made it through the most challenging part of your recovery. Each day will continue to get easier. Keep sipping, walking, and resting. Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. You're doing amazing, and your body is healing beautifully. Stay positive and trust the process!
