Understanding Postoperative Pain
Many patients who qualify for weight loss surgery worry about how much pain they might feel afterward. Modern surgical techniques have advanced significantly, and most people experience minimal discomfort following a gastric sleeve. While pain levels vary from person to person, they are generally comparable to the discomfort felt after procedures such as appendix removal, hernia repair, or a C-section.
Back Pain After Surgery
Some patients report back pain after their gastric sleeve. This is often linked to muscle tension caused by stress before the operation, which can leave the back muscles stiff. These symptoms usually improve quickly with muscle relaxants, pain medication, and gentle movement. Starting short walks in the hospital is one of the most effective ways to ease this discomfort.
Abdominal Pain After Surgery
The level of abdominal pain after a gastric sleeve depends on factors such as preoperative health, intestinal sensitivity, eating habits, the timing of menstrual periods in women, and even what the patient ate the day before surgery. People with a more sensitive digestive system may experience increased gas discomfort and slightly more abdominal pain, but these symptoms are never severe or alarming.
To reduce abdominal discomfort, patients should follow a light diet the day before surgery. This includes liquid meals, soft vegetables, plenty of fluids, and avoiding red meat, fried foods, or heavy pastries.
Leg Pain After Surgery
Leg pain is rare after a gastric sleeve. When it occurs, it is usually related to the positioning of the patient during the operation. This discomfort often presents as numbness, tingling, or a mild pins-and-needles sensation during the first week. It gradually resolves on its own without the need for any additional treatment.
