Pain after gastric sleeve surgery: what to expect in the post-op after gastric sleeve?

Question

I once had the gastric balloon and was aa negative experimente due to pain and feeling constantly sick. I want to know what to expect in the postop after gastric sleeve is performed.

Hossein Bagshahi, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

Obviously pain and nausea after sleeve surgery is a big concern. One of the major benefits of laparoscopic surgery is reduced pain and trauma from the smaller incisions. However, in sleeve gastrecotmy one of the incisions is dilated to remove the stomach that is stapled off. Often times a suture is placed here to prevent a hernia from developing. This can sometimes cause an ache like a bruise or "Charlie-Horse" if you are familiar with the term. 
The major things to expect immediately after surgery, is nausea, a bit of pain underneath the lower breast bone and a bit of incision pain. Rest assured that most of this, on average, is minor and if well managed post op you will be getting up to walk deep breath (to prevent blot clots in the legs/lungs) and possibly go home the same evening. 
Steps that can be taken to minimize nausea and pain are: 
One dose of Emend to manage the post op nausea. Expiril injected at the port sites for post op pain control and obviously oral pain and nausea medicine after surgery.
Your surgeon likely has his/her own routine and you should discuss this at your pre-op visit.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Experiencing pain after gastric sleeve surgery is a common and expected part of the immediate postoperative period, but it is typically manageable and short-lived when properly addressed. Given your previous experience with the gastric balloon&mdash;where you felt persistent pain and nausea&mdash;it’s understandable that you’re seeking clarity on what recovery from a sleeve gastrectomy might entail, especially in terms of comfort and symptom control.
Unlike the gastric balloon, which occupies space in the stomach and can cause ongoing discomfort due to its presence, the sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes approximately 75–80% of the stomach. This results in a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach that restricts food intake and alters hunger-regulating hormones. While this is a more invasive approach than the balloon, most patients report a more tolerable and predictable recovery, especially when managed within an experienced surgical program.
Immediately after surgery, you can expect to experience moderate abdominal discomfort, particularly at the incision sites and from internal manipulation during the laparoscopic procedure. This pain typically peaks within the first 48 hours and is often described as soreness, bloating, or a cramping sensation. It is usually well-controlled with intravenous or oral pain medications. Some shoulder discomfort may also occur due to residual carbon dioxide gas used during laparoscopy; this resolves within a few days as the gas is absorbed or expelled.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello,I recommend that you go to your certified doctor so he can guide you and answer all your doubts and questions.
In addition to other criteria such as medical indications and safety, behavioral health assessments, and so forth, which a Bariatric surgeon will assess individually.

Guillermo Alvarez, MD · Answer

This is nothing compared to the intragastric balloon. Normally patients have a fast and easy recovery also the results of course are very different than the balloon. Pain is manageable during hospital fairly easy and also as an outpatient. Here's a video you might find useful. warm regards, Dr. Alvarez

Pain after gastric sleeve surgery: what to expect in the post-op after gastric sleeve?

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Answer: Gastric sleeve surgery: Does it hurt?

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Pain after gastric sleeve surgery: what to expect in the post-op after gastric sleeve?

Answers (4)

Answer: Gastric sleeve surgery: Does it hurt?

Answer: Gastric sleeve surgery: Does it hurt?

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