Meadowlarksurgicalcosmetic

How Soon Can I Exercise After Breast Surgery?
People who care about how they look are often fond of exercising regularly. Women who are having plastic or cosmetic surgery want to know how soon they can exercise again – run, cycle, do yoga or attend gym classes such as Pump, Spin and Body Balance – after having an augmentation procedure.

In terms of when you can return to exercise after breast surgery, our breast specialist Plastic Surgeon’s can give you general estimates. During a consultation and during a follow-up surgical visits, they can give you more individualised advice. Often it will depend on how you’re healing and whether or not you’re experiencing any unexpected problems. However, sometimes flexibility is required because healing after surgery cannot always be predicted with accuracy and everyone is different.

Everyone is unique and hence, your nutritional uptake, general health, medications, supplements and genetics can all play a role in how well – and how quickly – you heal. Resting during the early stages of healing is important, as is proper incision care. You need to follow your Surgeon’s post-op care instructions carefully.

You’ll definitely need several weeks to let your incisions heal before you get active again, and you’ll need to be wearing the right support garments including at night.

For very strenuous activities, you might even need to wait a few months before you are cleared to return to those particular exercises; but for milder exercises, your Surgeon can let you know when it’s time – the key thing is to listen to your body (but not the urge to exercise quickly) – and allow yourself adequate healing time.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET A BREAST ENLARGEMENT, BREAST LIFT OR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?

This really varies from person to person.

Key factors can include arranging for childcare or pet help, household chores assistance, time off from work, and financial arrangements for a quality surgical breast augmentation procedure (don’t fall for cheap breast implant surgeries or overseas tourism ads – they are often not the bargain you think, especially if performed using fewer quality implants or less-experienced Surgeons who are not FRACS).

If you want to know more about the differences between Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons, find out what it means to be a member of ASAPS and FRACS. And remember that our Surgeons are Specialist Plastic Surgeons on our team – fully qualified Plastic Surgeons with decades of experience performing breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, augmentation-lifts and corrective surgery such as for breast asymmetry, tuberous breasts or revisional breast and ni**le surgery.

Winter and Spring can be a great time because it is easier to avoid the sun and you’ll be ready for summer’s fashions – but sometimes Summer is more convenient because you can take time off of work during the holidays. Or during the holiday period, you may have more options for getting help around the house when everyone else is also off of work. (If you’re wanting surgery during any school holidays including Easter, call to start the consultation process as those dates are very popular and often fill up quickly).

The most important timing element can be planning – not just the surgical dates, but the post-op care support you can establish for yourself during your healing period.

With a good plan and adequate post-op support, any time of year might suit you. Some people find it hard to wait once they decide to have surgery because they are excited to be progressing forward with their plans. So they may plan surgery just a few weeks or months in advance (ask about mandatory waiting times if you’re keen to get started). Other patients want more time to arrange their lives so that they can have adequate downtime to heal with minimal distractions.

DOES GETTING IMPLANTS OR A BREAST REDUCTION HURT?
Whilst everyone’s experience of surgery and healing is different, the answer is that discomfort and pain are part of nearly any surgical journey. Surgeons can help minimise the discomfort you experience after surgery by using long-lasting local anaesthetic agents (numbing solutions) in the area being operated on, along with post-surgical pain management strategies which may include pain relief medications. It might even help you to consider staying a few extra nights in the hospital if you are concerned about having adequate at-home support or pain management after your surgery.

THE HARDEST THING ABOUT GETTING IMPLANTS OR HAVING A BREAST REDUCTION OR BREAST LIFT IS THE FEELING OF NOT BEING ABLE TO GET PHYSICALLY COMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO GET A REALLY GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP.
This does pass as healing progresses, but not getting good rest right after surgery is one of the things you should prepare yourself for, psychologically, if you are sensitive to sleep loss. When you have a difficult time getting to sleep, your emotional system can also become more reactive. If you lack good sleep and feel physically uncomfortable, you might feel emotionally tender or even teary. See How to Sleep Better After Breast Surgery.

When you’re feeling very emotional, or when you don’t have fully supportive people around you during the early recovery stages, you might even question your plastic surgery decisions. This is not uncommon for anyone who is feeling uncomfortable, sore or sleep-deprived, and typically passes as your body heals and you begin to get good rest.

Tummy Tuck Scar Minimisation and Treatments
What will my Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck Scar look like?
One of the key questions asked by patients about to have Abdominoplasty Surgery relates to what their “Tummy Tuck scars” will look like after surgery.Your tummy tuck surgery scar and treating your incision lines
As with all cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, you will have a visible scar after surgery. The question then becomes, how much can you help it to heal in the best way possible, or reduce your risks of unsightly scarring?

Scars will vary in shape and size and also how much they fade.
Your healing capacities, recovery processes, genetics, skin tone/skin melanin, and other factors will influence the visibility of your scar but you WILL have a visible scar after a Tummy Tuck or other big surgery involving excess skin reduction/removal and body contouring (including thigh lift surgery and arm lift surgery).
1. Where will my tummy tuck scar be located?
Your scar(s) after a tummy tuck will typically be located in your lower abdomen area, above your p***s and below your belly button.
Scars may run horizontally (curved or potentially zigzagged rather than straight) across your lower abdomen, and are usually – but not always – positioned below your belt-line or waist-line area.
You may also end up with a vertical scar, potentially from your p***s area to your navel location, depending on which type of Tummy Tuck surgery you require.
There are different types of Tummy Tucks including full abdominoplasty or mini-tummy-tuck – Find out more by requesting a consultation to discover which type of Abdominoplasty will best suit your specific needs and skin condition.
2. What shape will the Tummy Tuck scar be in – straight, curved, zigzag or squiggly?
What shape or dimensions your scar takes as you heal depends NOT ONLY on where the incision line was placed for your procedure, but how your incision line healed. Some aspects of scarring are controllable and some are not; remember, every patient’s surgery and healing journey is unique.

Also, if you smoke, if you get an infection or you try to do too much, too soon after surgery, you can stretch your scars or worsen them. If so, your scar(s) after a Tummy Tuck procedure may appear more prominent (so DO follow your Surgeon’s instructions and the Post-Op Guide – as prescribed by your Surgeon – carefully; and ASK your Surgeon before resuming strenuous activities including driving, housework, lifting and the gym).

THE SHAPE, LENGTH AND WIDTH DIMENSIONS OF TUMMY TUCK SCARS VARY FROM PATIENT TO PATIENT
Your tummy tuck scar may look like a long squiggly line or like an inverted T shape or anchor shape.
Your abdominal area scar(s) may also appear to be different on your left size versus your right side (just as your body is typically asymmetrical on each side; e.g., if you favour using one hand or leg over the other hand or leg, one usually becomes more muscular or leaner than the other side, albeit typically a small amount).
For some patients, the incision line needed to get a good tummy tuck operation result needs to extend to the hip area – or even slightly beyond the hip to the lower back area, such as for an Extended Abdominoplasty or Circumferential Abdominoplasty.
It can vary from patient to patient, so ask your Surgeon during a confidential consultation and get the answers that are right for you. Phone us today on 1300 264 811 to get started choosing which of our Team of Surgeons is going to be best to meet with about your surgery procedure, depending on what you need, your surgery timing and surgery planning preferences, and communication style; and whether or not you are going to need multiple procedures or combined procedures performed to get the body contours you’re wanting to attain.
3. How long will the scar be after a Tummy Tuck procedure?
The scar will be as long as it needs to be to get you a good result from your Tummy Tuck.
It typically runs from hip to hip or slightly beyond, between the p***c area and the navel.
There may also be a vertical scar and your navel may be re-aligned to suit your new contours.
You may also have a scar around your navel, although, for some patients, it may not be as visible as your other Tummy Tuck scar(s). That’s because the incision lines for navel surgery performed as part of a Tummy Tuck may be strategically placed to fall inside the navel area, but it can vary significantly from patient to patient.
4. Can I hide my tummy tuck scar under a swimsuit or other clothing including underwear?
It really depends, and there will be some variability from patient to patient. However, frequently (but not always), your Abdominoplasty surgery scar can be hidden with a swimsuit bottom or a pair of underwear, or below the belt-line of your jeans.

A Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty may also, however, involve a vertical incision line from the navel area downwards. Ask your Surgeon which type of Tummy Tuck is best for what you’re wanting to accomplish, and what you’re starting with (a standard Tummy Tuck, a mini-Tummy Tuck, an Extended or Circumferential Tummy Tuck, or a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck).

5. What are some of the best ways to treat scars after Tummy Tuck surgery?
Healite II treatments (if recommended, you might get Healite II within 2 to 4 weeks post-operation; if you choose to purchase a LightStim, you can start this 2 weeks post-op).
Fraxel Laser (usually instigated between 8 and 12 weeks after your surgery, some variability)
DermaPen (usually instigated between 10 and 12 weeks after your surgery, some variability)
Laser Genesis (less-invasive laser treatment, helps with collagen remodelling and may be beneficial for scars that are red and a bit thickened, hypertrophic scars)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL treatments) – if your scar is pink and a bit pigmented
Rapid Recovery Pack – check your Post-Op Guide for which oil(s) might be appropriate for your scars and ask your Surgeon and your Dermal Clinician WHEN you can use this (as fresh incision lines/fresh scars need to be cared for in a particular manner, that your Surgeon will advise you on)
6. What if I get a keloid scar after a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty?
If you are prone to Keloid scarring or have a complication with your incision line, your surgery scar may appear raised or bumpy looking.
If you have a tendency to have raised or red and purple looking scars, let your Surgeon know in advance.
You’ll be treated by our Dermal Clinicians who may suggest a variety of modalities to assist you in reducing the appearance of the scar (but as with all body and breast surgeries and most facial procedures, other than perhaps a closed rhinoplasty procedure, you will have a visible scar).
7. How does your Surgeon decide where your abdominoplasty scar (Tummy Tuck scar) will be located?
The scar for any plastic surgery procedure is always where the incision line needs to be in order for your Surgeon to aim to get you a great result.
The same holds true for body contouring after weight loss or pregnancy, such as removal of the abdominal apron, excess abdominal fat and drooping belly skin through what’s called a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure.
Your Surgeon will use precision surgical planning, complex surgical techniques and strategic incision line placement strategies.

These surgery decisions are informed by numerous factors. These might include:

how much excess skin you have in your abdominal area
your level of body fat or your BMI
where the body fat or excess skin has accumulated in the abdominal area
whether you have an abdominal hernia or diastasis recti (torn abs after pregnancy)
whether or not liposuction is also being used for extra waistline shaping
other factors your Surgeon will discuss
When possible, incisions are typically made in areas where they are less likely to be clearly noticeable. Even so, there may be certain things that can be done to help the scar heal better (meaning, less visible or less noticeable over time).

Scar management strategies may be highly recommended by your Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne; several treatments may be required and it can take up to 2 years to see the final scar results after having a Tummy Tuck procedure.

DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOSEN PROCEDURE AND SCAR FORMATION AND HEALING PROCESSES, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SCAR TREATMENTS AVAILABLE TO YOU FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY, SHOULD THIS BE RECOMMENDED BY YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON.
A scar consultation with a Dermal Clinician helps your team work out your best scar treatment options
You’ll tend to get a minimum of 3 scar treatments tailored to suit your scar and/or skin type
Several of these are included with your Price Quote for Plastic Surgery (Melbourne)
Ask your Surgeon for details during a consultation or pre-surgery planning discussion.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP MINIMISE YOUR TREAT YOUR SCAR AFTER A TUMMY TUCK
Optional purchases you can decide to make to treat a scar include:

LightStim – a take-home LED device that helps you heal and minimises your scar ($289 including GST) – you can purchase from Coco Ruby Skin & Anti-Ageing.
Strataderm – Silicone Gel
If you have a raised scar, get the Silicone Strips (Mepiform)
Silica Sheets (Cicacare Silicone Sheets)
Topical skin lightening products prescribed by a Doctor and purchased from a Compounding Pharmacist
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR SCAR AS IT HEALS: SURGEON RECOMMENDATIONS
Like most scars, any scars that result after your operation will pass through several phases of healing.
If you’re caring for your scars properly, you will tend to notice a gradual improvement and reduction in visibility over time.
If you have concerns, make an appointment with your Surgery team.

Do I Need a Second Opinion for Cosmetic Surgery?
Second Opinion for Plastic Surgery: Why you always need at least one from a specialist plastic surgeon
SHOULD I GET A SECOND OPINION BEFORE PLASTIC SURGERY? WHY COSMETIC SURGERY IS WORTH A SECOND LOOK!
Are you considering Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery? If so, you’re probably conducting ONLINE RESEARCH about your procedure and which Surgeon to choose. You might even be evaluating several top Surgeons OR comparing discount surgery offers on the web. Having a successful surgery experience IS, of course, all about doing ADEQUATE research. And one of those research techniques is seeking a second opinion about your cosmetic surgery procedure.

SO WE’RE VERY GLAD YOU FOUND THIS COSMETIC SURGERY SECOND OPINION DISCUSSION PAGE.
Highlighting the VALUE of getting a second cosmetic surgery opinion from a fully-qualified FRACS (Plas) Plastic Surgeon
Discussing WHY and WHERE you can get a second opinion BEFORE proceeding with a surgical procedure or Surgeon choice here
Why get a Second Opinion?
BENEFITS OF SEEKING A SECOND OPINION FOR COSMETIC SURGERY OR PLASTIC SURGERY
It’s VALUABLE to you in terms of being part of your research (what we call ‘pre-surgery homework’) as
a second opinion or second consultation may help you better understand the DIFFERENCES between SURGEONS
it may shed more light on your PROCEDURE OPTIONS
It can ease your mind about your decision or choice of surgeon
It can highlight the information you missed hearing in the first consultation OR allow you to ask more informed questions
But second opinions are NOT usually necessary unless it’s a REQUIREMENT for a rebate for a medically-indicated Plastic Surgery (reconstructive) rather than cosmetic.

VALUE OF GETTING A SECOND OPINION ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
A second opinion before consenting to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery is typically RECOMMENDED. AND it’s particularly VALUABLE if you feel uncertain or uncomfortable with your choice of Surgeon or his or her recommendations.

It’s well worth exploring a second opinion about having surgery IF:
you feel UNCERTAIN or CONFUSED about your original Surgeon’s qualifications, training, background or suggestions
you seem to have a few available options or different solutions to correct your concern
you’re not 100% comfortable with the first Surgeon you met with
Ideally, you want to feel VERY comfortable with your SURGEON CHOICE before proceeding.

If you’re not COMFORTABLE or CERTAIN about your Surgeon choice or procedure options
OR you’re unclear which of two SURGEON’s you want to choose between
You might want to delay surgery OR SEEK alternative solutions and a SECOND OPINION from a Plastic Surgeon.
Because SURGERY is serious and has risks and should never be taken lightly.

IF YOU FEEL FULLY COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON CHOICE AND YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR REAL QUALIFICATIONS ARE – INCLUDING HOW MANY YEARS OR DECADE’S EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE THEY HAVE IN YOUR PROCEDURE – THEN GETTING A SECOND OPINION IS NOT NECESSARILY REQUIRED.
Even so, healthcare bodies often recommend it AND
It may STILL be a good idea unless you find it confuses you or you feel 1000% confident in your choice of Surgeon because you’ve done your HOMEWORK.
Here’s why a second opinion may prove valuable:

Getting a second opinion may SIMPLY serve to remind you of why you chose your Surgeon – it may reaffirm your decision all the more!

But another GREAT reason to have a second opinion is that it makes GOOD SENSE when you’re having elective surgery to learn AS MUCH as you CAN about the procedure and the methods available to perform the operation.
It may cost more to see a second Surgeon (unless they’re part of the same group), but might just help you avoid revision surgery dramas in the longer run.
As always, trust your intuition and don’t be fooled by someone who says back rooms are better only as they are not genuinely authorised to operate in hospitals.
BUT REMEMBER, EVERY PATIENT IS UNIQUE. YOU MAY GET CONFLICTING RECOMMENDATIONS, SO BE PREPARED.
Where to get a second opinion about your cosmetic surgery
Choose from the top-rated Plastic Surgeon in your local area
Be sure they have FRACS and expertise in the PROCEDURE(S) you’re considering having performed
We listed some of Melbourne’s best Plastic Surgeons above, and you can search for more on ASPS.
REMEMBER, EACH INDIVIDUAL PLASTIC SURGEON ALSO HAS A UNIQUE WAY OF APPROACHING A PATIENT CONCERN AND PERFORMING A COSMETIC PROCEDURE.
WHILE MOST FRACS (PLAS) SURGEONS MIGHT AGREE YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM A TUMMY TUCK OR EYELID LIFT, FOR EXAMPLE, EACH SURGEON MAY APPROACH YOUR SURGERY UNIQUELY BASED UPON:
what THEY believe is best for YOUR condition, complaints or Surgery objectives
whether or not they prefer to use DRAINS
how they manage incision lines and scar treatments
what techniques or incision approaches they feel most comfortable using (example: Anchor vs Le Jour/Lollipop)
your preferences and vocalisation of what you want to be adjusted, reduced, lifted or reshaped
their experiences and comfort with certain techniques
OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE HOW A SURGEON APPROACHES AN OPERATION INCLUDE:
their professional STANDARDS or patient care ETHOS
which of the world’s top Plastic Surgeons or other medical experts they MENTORED under and in which country
what cosmetic surgery METHODS, surgical OPTIONS or techniques they BELIEVE are MOST LIKELY to get you the best result in terms of their expertise and experience
their specific training and University affiliations
the hospitals in which they operate and WHO they operate with (surgical teams)
their degree of commitment to ongoing education and training through ISAPS, ASAPS, ASPS and more
their procedure expertise or focus areas
other factors
THESE CAN ALL LEAD TO SLIGHTLY VARYING OR SIGNIFICANTLY VARYING OPINIONS OR APPROACHES TO SURGERY.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of different skill sets or training, and at other times varying opinions could make the difference between a GOOD SURGERY experience and a LESS THAN SATISFACTORY result. So be sure you do your research, and choose one of the best FRACS Surgeons nearby that:

Listens and understands your goals and asks you the right questions
You feel 100% comfortable in choosing – you’re trusting them with your appearance AND your life
You are able to communicate openly with including asking ANY and EVERY question you have, and who you feel is being honest with you and respectful
Has your best interests in mind over the longer term
Discusses how he or she will handle patient care over time including potential complications
Remember, even choosing a great surgeon doesn’t necessarily mitigate all surgery risks – it’s one of many factors that influences your outcomes and risks.

All surgery has risks and results can vary from patient to patient.

Obesity: Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery an Option For You?
How would you know that gastric sleeve surgery, versus another procedure – might be the ultimate lifesaver for you in relation to co-morbidity and Obesity?

You’ll need to consult with your GP for a referral, then with a select Bariatric Surgeon Specialist to know for certain if this surgery will suit your needs. You’ll have needed to first attempt nearly every other non-surgical approach before you choose surgery. That’s because surgery is serious, and there are side effects and potential risks to consider before you consent to either a gastric sleeve or other weight-loss surgery.

If you have one or more of the following, you might make an ideal gastric sleeve candidate (but only your surgeon can assess this for certain). Most people also need to lose weight BEFORE their surgery, not just after, so read our Tips on Losing Weight Before Surgery (visit Dr Geoff Barnett’s page).

Some potential candidates would have:

BMI above 35 in the presence of;
Sleep apnea
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
If your BMI is above 40 in the absence of co-morbid conditions
If you have a complicated surgical history
If the risk of bypass or open surgery outweighs its benefits
If you’re not comfortable with foreign body insertion or a strict meal routine after surgery
HOW IS THE WEIGHT LOSS PATTERN AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE?
While weight loss with a sleeve operation may not be as large as that in Gastric Bypass surgery, the pattern is more or less similar. However, how quickly you lose weight and how far you’re able to maintain depends on how healthy your lifestyle is.
WEIGHT LOSS PATTERN OVER A YEAR
Just to give you an idea here’s how the weight loss occurs at specific intervals;

3 months after surgery, one-third excess weight is lost
6 months after surgery, half of excess weight is lost
One year later, 60% of excess weight is lost.
5 years after, 50% of excess weight is lost (provided you strictly follow the ‘healthy life’ protocol)
Bottom line: Gastric sleeve + healthy eating habits + regular exercise = successful weight loss

IS WEIGHT LOSS THE ONLY BENEFIT OF GASTRIC SLEEVE?
While the procedure is majorly a treatment option for obese people to shed excess kilos, it’s a fact that the procedure has various health benefits. It can lead to an improvement in various health conditions that are a consequence of obesity or worsened by having an unhealthy BMI.

Understand that when you’re obese, you’re not just overweight, you’re seriously overweight. When you’re seriously overweight, your health is also seriously compromised.

Health benefits that gastric sleeve offers include;

Mortality reduction with an 89% lower risk of death [1]
90% asthmatics reported improvement in their condition [2]
Remarkable improvement in cardiac function [3]
55% of diabetics saw an improvement in their condition [4]
Hypercholesterolemia improved in 64% of patients [5]
Improvement in hypertension after one year in 68% of people [6]
Resolution of obstructive sleep apnea in 62% of people [7]
Bottom line: Gastric sleeve is a lot more than a simple weight loss procedure. It has an impact on your overall health.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery – 5 Things You Should Know!
Gastric Sleeve Surgery – 5 Things You Should Know!

Posted on December 21, 2019 Michelle Staughton - Patient Liaison Manager
What is the Gastric Sleeve Surgery for weight loss all about?
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, why? Despite cutting down on sugar or carbs, exercising regularly and scrutinizing every menu as if you were about to have an exam – sometimes your stubborn waistline still doesn’t get the message.

If you’re like some people, losing weight beyond a particular point seems no less than a miracle. Even though dieting has been a mission of yours since as far back as you can remember, your body seems to have a different idea about what you need to weigh.

DOES THE STORY OF CHRONIC DIETING – WITHOUT LONG TERM WEIGHT LOSS – RING A BELL?
It likely does. Sadly, this story is shared by millions of overweight and obese individuals. The burning question here is this: is there another way that people prone to obesity can help their bodies release stubborn fat, and is a path towards better health – instead of continuing to be dangerously overweight or chronically losing-then-gaining weight?
The good news about weight loss is this: YES, they can.

It’s certainly not the first resort and still requires an altered lifestyle – sustained over time. Yet surgical interventions such as gastric weight loss surgery can be a good option for people who can’t seem to lose weight by other measures.

What we’re discussing here is a laparoscopic procedure called a Sleeve Gastrectomy (which we’ll refer to as a “gastric sleeve” in the rest of the article).

OBESITY AND GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY OPTIONS FOR LOSING WEIGHT
The increasing burden of obesity in modern society has led to new surgical treatment options being developed to encourage weight loss. These are very effective in helping tackle obesity and the co-morbid conditions that directly or indirectly relate to having a dangerous BMI or obesity-level weight gain.

You might be hearing the term ‘gastric sleeve’ for the first time. If so, you might find it surprising that in 2013, 42% of the bariatric (obesity or weight loss) procedures performed were that of gastric sleeve. Source: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

5 Things You Must Know About Gastric Sleeve
WHAT IS GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY?
Gastric sleeve surgery (also known as a Sleeve Gastrectomy), is a Bariatric Surgical procedure that involves longitudinal resection of the stomach. It reduces the size of the stomach by up to 75% in order to help an obese patient restrict their intake, in order to lose significant weight and regain health and mobility. It is one of several varieties of gastric surgery for weight loss, as shown in the illustration below.
Following resection, the patient is left with a banana-shaped pouch (or “sleeve”) that accommodates the food the patient is able to consume after surgery. This is approximately 150 ml of food intake at a time.

There is also a mini-gastric bypass procedure, as shown in the illustration below.
SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY: GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY OVERVIEW
The Gastric Sleeve procedure can take a few hours and is usually performed within 1 to 2 hours.
It is typically carried out under anaesthesia ideally in a fully accredited facility by a specialist surgeon (Bariatric Surgeon) who has performed hundreds of similar operations on overweight and obese patients.
It involves making 4-5 small incisions in the belly area to introduce the scope (camera like equipment) and related surgical instruments.
Once removed, the remaining part is sealed with staples.
However, sphincters and intestines are untouched during the procedure.
The selected hospital and the Bariatric Surgeon must have a proven capacity to work with obese patients. That’s because obese patients are often at a much higher risk of surgical complications, including serious or life-threatening complications. That’s because people who are obese tend to have chronic health conditions that can make surgery risks much more likely to occur. However, the risk of NOT having surgery – the risk of remaining morbidly overweight – is also taken into consideration by the patient and Surgeon; often, the surgery is the better option than leaving the patient ‘as is’ with obesity-related morbidity.

All bariatric patients will need to properly prepare for Surgery and this includes getting as healthy as they can (and losing weight) BEFORE the surgery, not just afterwards.

The bottom line about Gastric Sleeve Surgery: It is a straightforward, irreversible procedure that restricts the size of the stomach, thus forever limiting the quantity of the food that can be consumed.

LIFE AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY
Gastric sleeve surgery, pretty much like the rest of the weight-loss surgical procedures, only kick-starts weight loss in people who are obese. It doesn’t offer a permanent solution in any way, and lifestyle changes MUST be made (not making them can leave the surgery patient very, very ill).

If you opt for a bariatric procedure, you will have to maintain your weight loss through lifestyle modifications, a healthier eating routine than you had – and a commitment to exercising regularly – once you’ve crossed the safety checkpoint after surgery.
YOUR PORTIONS WILL CHANGE – YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO CONSUME AS MUCH FOOD FROM THE SURGERY ONWARDS
After a gastric sleeve surgery, you will only be able to consume smaller portions of food. You’ll need to eat a moderate diet, avoid certain food types and avoid large portions for optimal results.

You’ll also need to stay fit and healthy through regular exercise; and other lifestyle or behavioural changes. This includes maintaining positive mental health once food fails to become an available source of emotional comfort for your daily upsets. If you were using food as a reward system, or to soothe an upset psyche, then counselling and frequent monitoring by a mental health professional is optimal after a gastric sleeve procedure. With the right counselling, you’ll develop NON-food based ways to moderate your emotions or cope with stress.

JUST AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT
First, a few days after your surgery, expect pain, discomfort – and to have to adapt to a purely liquid diet for the first part of your journey after getting Gastric Sleeve Surgery.

While you’ll be given painkillers to take care of the discomfort and pain, there’s absolutely nothing that you can do to change the requirements for an early liquid diet. Once your Surgeon gives you the green light to move on to the next step, you’ll be good to go to the next level. That’s often pureed food, followed by semi-solid foods. Finally, you’ll be able to move on to solid foods, but in much smaller proportions than before. Again, it’s all about moderation, only with a gastric sleeve, you’ll fill up much more quickly – and you’ll physically be unable to consume a healthy amount without feeling very, very unwell.

How much time you spend on each stage of food transition (from a liquid diet to select solid foods) will be determined by your Bariatric Surgeon and your overall nutritional care team.

Bottom line: there’s going to be a gradual progression to solids after surgery. Starting solid food before time can turn out to be harmful to you.