Gastric sleeve surgery, known medically as sleeve gastrectomy, reduces the stomach’s size to aid weight loss. The procedure involves removing a significant portion of the stomach, reshaping the remainder into a smaller, banana-shaped “sleeve.” This article provides a realistic overview of the pain experienced during and after gastric sleeve surgery, outlining what to expect throughout recovery.
Pain Immediately After Surgery
Immediately following gastric sleeve surgery, patients commonly experience moderate abdominal discomfort while in the hospital. This pain is typically localized around the small incisions made for laparoscopic instruments and from internal organ manipulation. Patients often describe this sensation as soreness, bloating, or a cramping feeling. The intensity of this pain typically peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours.
Discomfort from residual gas within the abdominal cavity is also common. Carbon dioxide gas is introduced during laparoscopic surgery to create space, and this gas can cause bloating, abdominal distension, and referred pain in the shoulders or neck. Medical staff closely monitor and manage these pain levels during the typical one to two-day hospital stay.
Managing Post-Operative Pain
Medical professionals employ various strategies to manage pain effectively after gastric sleeve surgery, both in the hospital and for home recovery. Initially, intravenous pain medication, including opioids, may be administered to control moderate to severe pain. Patients then transition to oral pain relievers, often acetaminophen-based medications, which are generally considered safe and effective. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are generally avoided in the initial recovery period due to potential risks to the stomach lining.
Beyond pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological approaches are important for pain relief and comfort. Early mobilization, such as walking, is encouraged as it helps to release trapped gas and improve circulation. Deep breathing exercises, proper positioning, and applying heat or cold packs can also contribute to comfort. Pain management plans are individualized, taking into account each patient’s unique needs and pain tolerance.
Pain During Recovery
As patients are discharged from the hospital, their pain typically evolves during the weeks following surgery. Acute pain from the immediate post-operative period generally subsides, replaced by sensations of soreness, mild discomfort, and fatigue. Occasional sharp, gas-related pains can still occur as the body continues to heal. External incisions usually heal within two weeks, though internal healing of the stomach staple line continues for several weeks.
Most discomfort significantly improves within a few weeks, with many patients reporting manageable pain by the end of the first week. Lingering mild discomfort or tenderness, particularly with sudden movements, can persist longer. Patients should contact their medical team if pain worsens, becomes severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever or persistent vomiting, as this could indicate a complication.
What Influences Pain Levels
Individual pain perception after gastric sleeve surgery can vary due to several factors. A person’s unique pain tolerance plays a role in how they experience and report discomfort. While laparoscopic techniques reduce incision size and overall trauma compared to open surgery, minor differences in surgical approach or intraoperative manipulation can influence post-operative sensations.
Adherence to post-operative instructions, including dietary guidelines and activity restrictions, is also important in managing pain. Eating too much or too quickly can cause discomfort or pain as the stomach adjusts to its new, smaller size. The presence of complications, such as a surgical site infection or a gastrointestinal leak, can lead to increased or prolonged pain, necessitating prompt medical attention. Psychological factors like anxiety and depression can influence how pain is perceived and the amount of pain medication required.