Health Checks

Regular health checkups after gastric sleeve surgery are very important in monitoring if your body is adjusting well and if you are able to stay healthy. The immense change your body goes through after the surgery requires very close monitoring for the detection of any problems that may possibly arise. Our GP has been very supportive and provides the necessary health checks; however, if your GP doesn’t support you, you may need to source these services privately.

Importance of Regular Health Checkups

Since gastric sleeve surgery involves reducing the size of your stomach, you may begin to experience some nutritional deficiencies. Regular blood work would be extremely important to monitor your iron, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, folate, and proteins.

These tests allow your health care provider to catch any deficiencies early on and recommend appropriate supplements or dietary changes.

Nutrient Monitoring and Supplementation

Because gastric sleeve surgery reduces the overall quantity one can consume, it is not difficult to become deficient in a number of key nutrients. A balanced diet and appropriate supplementation are essential. Common supplements after surgery include:

  • Multivitamins: Help supplement a wide range of nutritional deficiencies.
  • Iron Supplements: To prevent or treat anemia.
  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Generally in higher amounts to ensure bone health.
  • Vitamin B12: Often given as injections or sublingual tablets.

All these supplements help bring down the chances of deficiencies. Deficiencies can lead to serious health problems if not treated.

Ongoing Emotional Support

Besides getting physical checkups, care for emotional well-being should be attended to. Gastric sleeve surgery is a major change in life and brings many emotional and psychological changes with it. Sharing with a therapist will help immensely through those problems.

  • Emotional Wellbeing: Therapy can help you navigate the emotional highs and lows that come with drastic weight loss and lifestyle changes.
  • Behavioral Changes: Addressing food addiction, developing healthy eating habits, and managing emotional eating.
  • Support System: Building a support network, including family, friends, and support groups, can provide encouragement and understanding.

Therapy and emotional support are very important in ensuring that you not only succeed in your weight loss but that you live a healthy and balanced life post-surgery. Sharing our experiences will bring clarity and help to so many people who are to go through all the complexities associated with recovery post-surgery. Please remember, this is our personal experience and not medical advice. For medical guidance, always consult with your GP.