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The Importance of Follow-Up Care After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Post Bariatric Surgery Care

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, has become one of the most effective bariatric procedures for people struggling with obesity. By reducing the size of the stomach by approximately 80%, the surgery helps limit food intake, resulting in significant and sustained weight loss. However, while the surgery itself is a powerful tool, the success of the procedure is heavily dependent on the follow-up care patients receive post-surgery.

Follow-up care after gastric sleeve surgery is essential for ensuring long-term success, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding potential complications. It involves regular monitoring by healthcare professionals, nutritional guidance, emotional support, and the adoption of long-term lifestyle changes. In this blog, we will discuss why follow-up care is crucial and what patients should expect during their journey after gastric sleeve surgery.

Why Follow-Up Care is Crucial

Monitoring Physical Recovery

Immediately after gastric sleeve surgery, patients enter a recovery phase. While the surgery is typically performed laparoscopically and is minimally invasive, it is still major surgery that requires time to heal. Regular follow-up appointments allow healthcare providers to:

  • Monitor the healing process: Surgeons will check the incision sites and ensure that the stomach is healing properly.
  • Check for complications: Common complications that may arise include infection, leaks at the staple line, or the formation of blood clots. Follow-up care ensures early detection and treatment if these issues occur.
  • Evaluate weight loss progress: Early on, patients will experience rapid weight loss, and regular appointments allow doctors to track progress and ensure it aligns with healthy, expected outcomes.

Nutritional Guidance and Vitamin Deficiency Monitoring

One of the most critical aspects of follow-up care is nutritional guidance. After gastric sleeve surgery, the stomach’s reduced size limits food intake, which can also limit the absorption of important nutrients. Follow-up care helps address potential nutritional deficiencies by:

  • Providing a post-surgery diet plan: Initially, patients will follow a liquid diet, gradually transitioning to soft foods, and eventually reintroducing solid foods. Dieticians work closely with patients to create a personalized meal plan that meets their nutritional needs while promoting weight loss.
  • Monitoring for deficiencies: The reduced capacity of the stomach can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and folate. Regular blood tests during follow-up visits help identify and address deficiencies early on.
  • Recommending supplements: In many cases, patients will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to maintain optimal health. Follow-up care ensures that these supplements are tailored to individual needs.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Weight loss surgery is not just a physical transformation; it’s also an emotional and psychological journey. The rapid changes in body weight and appearance, combined with adjustments in lifestyle, can be overwhelming. Follow-up care provides:

  • Access to counseling: Many bariatric programs offer psychological support to help patients cope with the emotional aspects of weight loss, body image changes, and the mental challenges of adapting to a new lifestyle.
  • Managing emotional eating: Follow-up care can also address potential issues such as emotional eating or relapse into unhealthy eating habits. Dietitians and counselors can help patients develop strategies to maintain a healthy relationship with food.

Lifestyle Adjustments and Long-Term Success

For gastric sleeve surgery to be successful long-term, patients must make significant lifestyle changes. Follow-up care plays a pivotal role in guiding these changes:

  • Exercise recommendations: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining weight loss. However, the intensity and type of exercise vary depending on individual health conditions and progress. Healthcare providers will recommend appropriate exercises, starting with light activities and gradually increasing intensity as the patient recovers.
  • Behavioral changes: Gastric sleeve surgery is not a magic solution; it requires lifelong commitment. Follow-up care includes behavioral counseling that helps patients develop new habits, such as mindful eating, portion control, and avoiding high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods.
  • Preventing weight regain: Without consistent follow-up care, there is a risk of reverting to old habits, which can lead to weight regain. Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals provide accountability and motivation to stay on track with weight management goals.

Managing and Preventing Complications

While gastric sleeve surgery is generally safe, there are risks of complications both in the short and long term. Follow-up care helps detect and manage these complications, including:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Some patients may develop GERD after surgery. Follow-up appointments allow healthcare providers to manage symptoms through dietary changes or medications.
  • Dumping syndrome: This condition occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, causing nausea, diarrhea, or lightheadedness. Follow-up care includes dietary adjustments to help manage and prevent this condition.

The Key to Long-Term Success

Gastric sleeve surgery is a powerful tool for achieving significant weight loss and improving overall health, but the surgery itself is just the beginning. Follow-up care is essential for ensuring that patients stay on track, manage their health, and avoid complications. Through regular monitoring, nutritional support, emotional guidance, and lifestyle adjustments, patients are equipped with the tools they need to maintain their weight loss and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life.

At Blackrock WeightCare, we are committed to providing comprehensive follow-up care to all our patients. Our team of dedicated professionals works closely with each individual to ensure their long-term success after gastric sleeve surgery. If you have any questions about the follow-up process or want to learn more about how we support our patients, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Your journey doesn’t end with surgery—it’s just the beginning. Let us help you achieve your long-term health and wellness goals with ongoing support and care.

Your Health. We Care.

Dr Eddy Ferrufino Rivera

Consultant in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine

Dr Eddy Ferrufino Rivera is a Consultant in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine with specialist experience in sleep-related breathing disorders, respiratory medicine and conditions commonly associated with obesity.

He has been practising in Ireland since 2015, working across both public and private hospitals. He completed his specialist training in Respiratory Medicine in Spain in 2013 and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research and an International Master’s Degree in Sleep Medicine.

At Blackrock WeightCare, Dr Ferrufino supports patients with respiratory and sleep-related concerns, including obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity-associated hypoventilation and sleep disorders linked with conditions such as COPD, asthma and interstitial lung disease. He also facilitates sleep studies for patients where further assessment is needed as part of their bariatric care pathway.

Dr Ferrufino has experience in managing respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions associated with sleep pathology. He is an Associate Professor at University College Dublin and a member of the Irish Thoracic Society, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the European Respiratory Society.

Emer O’Driscoll

Senior Dietitian

Emer O’Driscoll holds an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Ulster, Coleraine (2014). Emer has experience in clinical and outpatient settings, in particular, her passions are intuitive eating, counselling, and weight management. Emer is actively involved in the support of patients before and after weight loss surgery. She recognises the importance of consistent follow-up care with a dietitian through your pre and post-surgical journey. 

She holds a certificate in Motivational Interviewing from the National Institute for Preventive Cardiology (NIPC) and is a Certified Intuitive Eating counsellor. Emer developed and leads the SUCCEED Programme. She is a member of the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI) and a CORU registered dietitian.

David Johnston

Senior Dietitian

David Johnston is a Senior Dietitian at Blackrock WeightCare. He holds a BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin, and has completed additional training in behaviour change skills and the delivery of evidence-based obesity management.

David has worked in rehabilitation and integrated care services in both Ireland and Australia, supporting patients living with obesity, diabetes and other long-term health conditions. Chronic disease management has been a key area of interest throughout his career, and he understands the importance of a multidisciplinary approach when supporting people with obesity.

As part of the Blackrock WeightCare team, David provides education and follow-up care for patients before and after surgery. He helps patients prepare for surgery, supports them as they adjust to changes in eating and drinking afterwards, and works with them to build sustainable habits that support long-term health and weight management.

David is a CORU registered dietitian and a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI). His approach is practical and patient-centred, with a focus on helping patients better understand their nutrition and managing it in a way that works for them.

Niamh Forster

Senior Dietitian

Niamh Forster is a Senior Dietitian at Blackrock WeightCare, with 6 years of experience working with people living with obesity and supporting them with practical nutrition and lifestyle advice. She has worked in both clinical and outpatient settings, including weight management, and has a particular interest in supporting patients before and after bariatric surgery.

Niamh holds a BSc in Human Nutrition and an MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from University College Dublin, completed in 2020. She has also completed further training in Behaviour Change, Intuitive Eating Counselling and Nutrition for PCOS.

She is a CORU registered dietitian and a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI).

As part of the Blackrock WeightCare team, Niamh supports patients in making sense of the dietary changes that come with bariatric surgery and helps them build habits that are realistic, manageable and suited to everyday life. Her approach is practical, evidence-based and centred around the individual, with a strong focus on supporting patients in a way that feels steady, respectful and achievable.

Nikki O’Toole

Bariatric CNS

Nikki O’Toole is a Bariatric Candidate CNS at Blackrock WeightCare, with over 18 years of nursing experience and a strong background in surgical nursing. She has worked in Blackrock Clinic for more than 10 years, caring for bariatric patients at ward level and now supporting patients throughout their journey before and after surgery.

Nikki holds a BSc Degree in Nursing and has recently completed a course in An Integrated Approach to Cardiometabolic Chronic Disease. In her role, Nikki provides education, preparation and ongoing support to patients at each stage of their journey. She helps patients feel informed and ready for surgery, and continues to support them after their procedure, both during their hospital stay and long after they go home. She understands how important it is for patients to feel reassured and know that support is always there when they need it.

Nikki gets great fulfilment in being part of transformation for patients and their families. She is committed to helping each patient feel cared for and confident throughout their time with Blackrock WeightCare.

Susan Healy

Bariatric CNS

Susan Healy is a Bariatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at Blackrock WeightCare, with more than 20 years of nursing experience and a long-standing specialist interest in bariatric care. She first began working with bariatric patients in Australia almost 19 years ago and has been caring for bariatric patients in Blackrock Clinic for the past 10 years. She became a Bariatric CNS in June 2024.

Susan holds a BSc Degree in Nursing and is a Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). She is also a member of BOMSS, the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society.

In her role, Susan supports patients right through their bariatric journey, both physically and emotionally, with a strong focus on education, reassurance and ongoing care. She is a steady point of contact before and after surgery, helping patients feel informed, prepared and well supported. Susan is passionate about providing patient-centred care and believes that people should be met with compassion and respect at all times. She takes great satisfaction in seeing the positive difference bariatric surgery can make and is committed to making sure each person feels listened to and supported throughout their journey.

Dr Matilde Mijares Zamuner

Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist

Dr Matilde Mijares Zamuner is a Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist at Blackrock WeightCare, with a particular interest in obesity, diabetes and the medical management of weight-related conditions. She graduated from medical school at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas and completed her Higher Specialist Training in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition at Alicante University Hospital in Spain in 2013. She also completed a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research in Spain.

During her specialist training in Spain, she gained extensive experience in the management of metabolic conditions, including obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She moved to Ireland in 2014 and completed a research fellowship in diabetes at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. 

As part of the Blackrock WeightCare team, Dr Mijares Zamuner supports patients by assessing hormonal, metabolic and nutritional factors that may be contributing to weight gain, including conditions such as PCOS and thyroid disease. She also works closely with patients before and after bariatric surgery and is involved in the medical treatment of obesity, including prescribed medication where appropriate.

Dr Mijares Zamuner is a member of the Irish Endocrine Society, the Spanish Endocrine and Diabetes Society, the European Society of Endocrinology and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Her approach is centred on helping patients understand obesity as a chronic disease and supporting them in a clear and compassionate way to improve their long-term health and quality of life.

Achille Mastrosimone

Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Bariatric Endoscopist

Achille Mastrosimone is a Consultant General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon with a specialist interest in upper gastrointestinal surgery, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and bariatric and metabolic surgery. He works across Connolly Hospital, Hermitage Clinic and Blackrock Clinic, and is also an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

He holds an MD, a PhD in Clinical and Molecular Oncology, a Professional Diploma in Clinical Leadership from RCSI, and a Master in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery from Gemelli Hospital, Rome.

As part of the Blackrock WeightCare team, he supports patients through pre-operative endoscopic assessment and post-operative endoscopic follow-up. 

Excitingly, Achille also brings expertise in endobariatric procedures, including TORe (Transoral Outlet Reduction), to help manage post-bypass weight regain and dumping syndrome.

Achille is registered on the Irish Medical Council Specialist Register in General Surgery and is a member of IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders), ESGE (European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy), ISDE (International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus) and EAES (European Association for Endoscopic Surgery).

His approach is centred on giving patients clear, compassionate and personalised support, helping them feel informed, reassured and well cared for before and after endoscopy.

Dr Finian Fallon

Psychologist

Dr Finian Fallon provides psychological support and assessments for patients seeking bariatric surgery at Blackrock WeightCare. He works closely with bariatric teams in Ireland and has a strong interest in supporting patients as they prepare for surgery and adjust to the changes that come with it.

Finian has contributed to research and published work in the area of obesity, and was previously a Research Fellow at St Vincent’s University Hospital, where he provided group support for people living with obesity. He has also worked as Dean of Psychology at a private college in Dublin, where he developed education programmes in areas including CBT, addiction and traumatology.

His academic work has included External Examinerships and supporting PhD students in their development. He has also presented at the SCOPE School on Obesity, an internationally recognised training programme in obesity led by experts in the field.

Finian has a particular interest in the psychological impact of obesity, including the effect of stigma and self-stigma on people’s lives. He is also very aware of the role trauma can play for some patients living with obesity. His research includes a widely reported study on trauma and wellbeing among more than 2,000 members of An Garda Síochána.

His approach is thoughtful, respectful and compassionate, with a strong focus on helping patients feel understood, supported and well prepared throughout their journey.

Professor John McDermott

Consultant Endocrinologist

Professor John McDermott is Consultant Endocrinologist at the Hermitage Medical Clinic. Working closely with Mr Robb and the team at Blackrock WeightCare, he supports patients through their weight loss journey with a focus on metabolic health, endocrine assessment and long-term aftercare. He plays an important role in guiding patients before and after bariatric surgery, and supporting them as they adjust to the hormonal, metabolic and lifestyle changes that follow treatment.

Professor McDermott graduated from the University of Galway with first-class honours and the gold medal for first place in medicine. Following his specialist training, he was appointed as a Consultant Endocrinologist in 2007. He has extensive experience in endocrinology, diabetes and general internal medicine, and a strong commitment to clinical research and medical education.

Dr Conor Woods

Endocrinologist & Bariatric Physician

Dr Conor Woods is an Endocrinologist and Bariatric Physician at Blackrock WeightCare, with specialist interests in obesity medicine, endocrinology and diabetes. He completed his undergraduate medical training at RCSI and his Higher Specialist Training in Endocrinology in Ireland. He also holds a PhD from UCD in steroid metabolism and obesity, and completed a fellowship in Oxford.

Dr Woods supports patients with the medical assessment and management of obesity and related metabolic conditions. As part of the multidisciplinary team, he helps ensure patients are well informed, appropriately assessed and supported throughout their care.

Barkha Jain

Digital Marketing Manager and Web Developer

Barkha Jain is the Digital Marketing Manager at Blackrock WeightCare, with over 20 years of experience in advertising, marketing and business development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from DAVV University, India, and a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing from UCD, Ireland.

For the past 10 years, she has specialised in healthcare marketing, working with surgeons across bariatric surgery, plastic surgery, respiratory medicine, IVF and orthopaedics. Before moving to Ireland, she founded a digital marketing agency in India in 2016 and worked with healthcare clients across the country, including spending 8 years with Mohak Bariatrics, an internationally renowned bariatric service in Indore, India. Barkha has facilitated a collaboration between Mohak Bariatrics and Blackrock WeightCare – a connection we are proud to have established.

Her work is rooted in a genuine belief that healthcare communication should do more than promote services. It should bring clarity, build trust and help people make informed decisions for their health and wellbeing.

Susan Anderson

Patient Co-Ordinator

Susan Anderson is a Patient Co-Ordinator at Blackrock WeightCare and is often the first point of contact for patients enquiring about weight loss surgery. Susan speaks with patients by phone to guide them through the process, answer their questions and provide clear information about the process from first appointment, assessment for surgery and our dedicated follow up program of care. She follows up with detailed information on the next steps, helping patients feel informed from the outset.

Susan also attends clinics and values meeting patients in person, offering support as they move through different stages of treatment. She understands that reaching out about bariatric surgery can feel like a big step and how important it is for patients to be given time, information and reassurance to make the decision that is right for them.

With almost two decades of experience working in a hospital setting, Susan is committed to helping each patient feel comfortable, informed and well supported from their first contact with Blackrock WeightCare.

Lucy O’Shea

Patient Co-Ordinator

Lucy O’Shea is a Patient Co-Ordinator at Blackrock WeightCare, where she supports patients throughout all phases of their treatment – from bariatric surgery, to medical follow up with optimisation of health and weight and then also co-ordinating body contouring surgery for those patients who require this final phase.

Lucy helps guide patients through each stage of the process, from explaining what to expect and preparing them for consultations to providing support before and after surgery.

Working closely with the clinical team, Lucy ensures that patients feel informed, supported and reassured throughout their journey to better health. She understands that this can be a significant step, and Lucy is committed to making the experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Lucy helps each patient feel heard, supported and at ease throughout their care with Blackrock WeightCare.

Maria Cray

Practice Manager

Maria Cray is the Practice Manager at Blackrock WeightCare, with over 20 years of experience managing busy private surgical clinics. Before joining the team, she spent two decades as Practice Manager for a consultant eye surgeon, where she ran a successful multi-staff practice and supported patients through every stage of their care.

She brings a calm, organised and caring approach to the role, with a great understanding of what patients need from specialist care. From coordinating appointments and referrals to helping manage surgical schedules, Maria plays a central role in ensuring that every patient’s experience is as smooth as possible.

WIth the whole team, Maria creates a welcoming and professional environment where patients feel supported, informed and genuinely cared for throughout their journey with Blackrock WeightCare.

Go Surgical Limited
Suite 9, Blackrock Clinic, Rock Road, Blackrock, Dublin, A94 E4X7