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How Painful Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery? What You Should Expect
If you're considering gastric sleeve surgery, one of the most common concerns is pain:
“Will it hurt? How bad is the recovery?”
The short answer: some discomfort is normal, but thanks to modern surgical techniques and effective pain management, most patients find the procedure tolerable and easier than expected.
Here’s what you need to know.
😴 During Surgery: No Pain at All
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anesthesia, meaning:
- You are completely asleep during the operation
- You will feel no pain while the surgeon removes part of your stomach and reshapes it into a narrow sleeve
The surgery typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, and patients are monitored closely throughout.
🤕 After Surgery: What Kind of Pain Can You Expect?
After you wake up, it's normal to feel:
- Mild to moderate abdominal pain or soreness, especially near the incision sites
- Gas pain in the shoulders or upper abdomen (due to CO₂ used during laparoscopy)
- A tight or bloated sensation in the stomach area
This discomfort is usually most noticeable during the first 24–72 hours, and improves significantly each day.
💊 Pain Management After Surgery
Your healthcare team will provide a personalized pain relief plan, which may include:
- IV pain medications immediately after surgery
- Oral prescription painkillers once you’re eating and drinking
- Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen for minor discomfort later in recovery
Most patients report that their pain becomes easily manageable within a few days, and many feel comfortable enough to walk around within 24 hours.
🛌 Tips to Minimize Discomfort
You can reduce pain and promote faster healing by following your surgeon’s recommendations:
- 🥤 Stick to your liquid diet in the first days
- 🚶♂️ Begin light walking as soon as you're allowed — it helps reduce gas pain and speeds up recovery
- 🧘♀️ Avoid bending, lifting, or strenuous movement for 2–4 weeks
- 🛌 Get plenty of rest, but avoid staying completely sedentary
- 💬 Report any sharp or worsening pain to your doctor immediately
📈 Pain Tolerance Varies Between Individuals
Every patient is different. While some describe the recovery as similar to muscle soreness or mild cramping, others may need stronger pain control for a few days. Overall, pain from gastric sleeve surgery is manageable and temporary.
💶 Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey
At CosmetoCity, we coordinate gastric sleeve procedures in Antalya and Istanbul, performed in modern hospitals by experienced bariatric surgeons.
💼 All-inclusive packages start from €3,000 and include:
- ✅ Surgery, anesthesia, and hospital stay
- ✅ Pre-operative tests and consultations
- ✅ Post-op medications and pain management
- 🏨 Hotel accommodation and airport transfers
- 💬 English-speaking patient support
- 📞 Lifetime follow-up for your weight loss journey
Turkey is a global destination for safe, affordable, and comfortable bariatric surgery experiences.
✅ Final Thoughts
Gastric sleeve surgery is not pain-free, but it's also not as painful as many expect. With proper post-op care, medication, and support, most patients recover comfortably and quickly, and agree that any short-term discomfort is well worth the long-term benefits.
📞 Considering gastric sleeve surgery?
Let CosmetoCity help you experience a safe, smooth, and comfortable journey — from consultation to recovery.