Weight loss surgeries help patients lose weight in many different ways. One of the most common procedures is gastric sleeve, bariatric surgery that removes part of the stomach. After having this procedure, it is essential to wait for variable amount of time before engaging in sexual activity. The wait time depends on many factors such as pain level, site of the incisions, if the procedure was done laparoscopically, achieving full recovery mentally as well as physically, comfort level with one’s partner etc. The time to achieve this is variable between different individuals but on an average it takes 4-6 weeks after Gastric Sleeve surgery. This will allow your body enough time to heal and adapt to the new changes.
Many people are eager to return to their everyday lives and activities after surgery, but it’s important to remember that gastric sleeve is an effective procedure. One activity that you may be wondering about is sex. Depending on your situation, you may wonder how long you should wait before having sex after gastric sleeve. Here are factors that can affect how long you should wait:
What Does Gastric Sleeve Involve?
This weight loss surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach. This reduces the amount of food consumed, resulting in weight loss. In some cases, the remaining part of the stomach is then stapled or sewn shut to reduce hunger and other control food intake.
Your Overall Recovery
How well you recover from your surgery will significantly affect how soon you can have sex. It’s essential to give the body time to heal after any surgery, but this is especially true for a significant surgery like a gastric sleeve. Depending on your feelings, you may have to wait a few weeks or even a few months before having sex. Be sure to talk to a doctor about when they think it would be safe to have sex again.
Your Incisions
Another factor affecting how soon you can have sex is the location of your incisions. If your incisions are located in an area that could be aggravated by sex, then it’s probably best to wait until they’ve entirely healed before having sex again. This could take several weeks or even months, so be sure to ask your doctor when it would be safe to have sex without injuring your incisions.
The State of Your Relationship
If you’re in a steady, committed relationship, you and your partner will want to resume sexual activity as soon as possible after your surgery. However, if you’re not in a committed relationship, you may wait until you feel comfortable with your new body before having sex with someone new. This is entirely up to you, but remember that it’s essential to listen to the body and do what feels right for you.
No matter when you have sex after gastric sleeve surgery, use contraception if you don’t want to get pregnant or contract an STI. And don’t forget that communication is critical—be sure to talk to your partner and your doctor about when they think it would be safe to have sex again. Following these guidelines can help ensure you and your partner have an enjoyable and safe experience.
For gastric sleeve in St. Louis, contact Arch Bariatrics. We can provide comprehensive care and resources to help you on your weight loss journey. Arch Bariatrics is the premier weight loss practice in St. Louis, providing comprehensive bariatric services for individuals seeking to lose weight and improve their overall health. Our surgeons specialize in bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.
