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Recovery · Bariatric surgery

Bariatric (sleeve) recovery timeline

Day-by-day recovery after bariatric (sleeve) at Class A international departments — discharge, fly-home clearance, return to work, and full activity.

← Full Bariatric (sleeve) guide

Length of stay
12–18 days
Fly-home clearance
Day 12–14
Back to desk work
Week 4
Full activity
Month 12

Day-by-day timeline

  1. When
    Day 0

    Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

    60–90 min under GA. 4–5 small incisions.

  2. When
    Day 1

    Liquid diet

    Sips of water every 15 min. Mobilise within 6 h.

  3. When
    Day 3–6

    Discharge

    Discharged on full liquids. Multivitamin protocol begins.

  4. When
    Week 1–2

    Pureed diet

    Soft pureed food. Continue daily walks.

  5. When
    Day 12–14

    Fly-home clearance

    Aisle seat, hourly walks for VTE prophylaxis.

  6. When
    Week 4

    Soft food + back to work

    Most desk-job patients return at week 3–4.

  7. When
    Month 6

    50–60% EWL

    Excess weight loss tracking. Continue micronutrients lifetime.

  8. When
    Month 12

    70–80% EWL

    Stable weight typically reached at month 18–24.

Red-flag symptoms

If any of the following occur post-discharge, contact the operating surgeon immediately or present to local emergency services:

  • Persistent vomiting or inability to tolerate liquids
  • Severe abdominal pain or fever (suspect leak)
  • Tachycardia >120 at rest

12-month tele-follow-up

  • Week 2, 6, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month tele-consults
  • Quarterly micronutrient panel for 2 years

Aftercare on repatriation

Lifetime multivitamin (B12, iron, calcium-citrate, vitamin D). Annual blood panel.

Frequently asked

When can I fly home after bariatric (sleeve)?
Fly-home clearance is typically issued at Day 12–14. Aisle seat, hourly walks for VTE prophylaxis.
When can I return to work after bariatric (sleeve)?
Week 4: Most desk-job patients return at week 3–4.
When can I resume full activity?
Month 12: Stable weight typically reached at month 18–24.
What red-flag symptoms should I watch for?
Persistent vomiting or inability to tolerate liquids; Severe abdominal pain or fever (suspect leak); Tachycardia >120 at rest. Contact the operating surgeon or local A&E immediately if any occur.

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