Frequently Asked Questions

The Mini Sleeve is a standard size that requires removal of 70-80 percent along with the hunger-producing hormone, which causes the patient to lower their food intake.

Some doctors may require patients to consume a pre-op liquid diet in order to shrink the liver for your procedure to be performed safely. We will give you thorough instructions on how to be successful in completing your pre-op diet since each patient is different.

After having Mini Sleeve surgery, most patients return to work within 2 to 3 days. It is normal to feel fatigued for the first 2 weeks after surgery.

Your body will experience swelling after surgery, which is normal. As the swelling goes down, you’ll be able to take in more fluids and more food. Your stomach will be able to hold about 4 to 6 ounces at a time after the swelling goes down.

Hair loss can happen after surgery and typically occurs with a weight loss of 100 pounds or more. Many patients will experience some hair thinning, which will grow back after the weight loss has stabilized. We recommend taking biotin supplements and meeting protein intake goals in order to prevent hair loss post-surgery. We also offer a hair follicle-stimulating laser and PRP scalp injections to stimulate hair growth.

We recommend staying away from carbonation and alcohol. Waiting to consume alcohol for the first 6 months is ideal to achieve maximum weight loss results.  If you do decide to consume alcohol after surgery, we recommend a low-carb option. Beer is never a good choice for weight loss.

Yes, the surgery is one of the primary reasons to get off those medications. This is one of the benefits you can expect after surgery!

Please continue taking your blood pressure and diabetes medications as well as monitoring your blood pressure and sugar at home. Your PCP will officially discontinue these medications, but we advise monitoring at home because many patients are able to discontinue these medications soon after surgery.

You can shower immediately after surgery, but we recommend waiting 2 weeks after surgery to swim or soak in a tub.

Gas discomfort is one of the primary complaints patients have after surgery, and it typically subsides within 48 to 72 hours. You can take Gas-X strips, drops or tablets, and walking may also be beneficial.

McCarty Weight Loss Center promotes health and wellness, so we like to check your labs to ensure you’re meeting all of your nutritional requirements and seeing the health benefits your body will experience after surgery.

We recommend waiting 4 weeks after surgery to take any NSAIDS. If you have a headache, you can take OTC Tylenol. If you have chronic pain, we recommend consulting with your pain management physician to start a long-term pain management solution. NSAIDs are fine to use short-term 4 weeks after surgery.

Yes! We have had 4 international patients, and we also have patients who have come to us from 40 other states. On your flight or drive, we recommend walking and stretching your legs every hour on the way home.

Yes, we have a private Facebook group that is dedicated to our post-op patients. We also have a Pinterest board where we post daily recipe tips and motivation.

We are able to remove the excess stomach through your belly button or through your mouth. Generally, we remove the stomach through the belly button, as this is what most patients prefer.

We can do any or all of your post-op visits via phone or Skype, and we will email you all of the necessary nutrition guides and lab forms to check your blood work remotely.

It is normal not to have a bowel movement after surgery, since your colon is the last thing to wake up from anesthesia. We recommend waiting about 2 weeks before trying a stool softener or laxative of any kind so that your body has the chance to work naturally.

We recommend starting vitamins 2 weeks post-surgery. If you are consistent with protein intake, then start your Multivitamin sooner, but don’t take this on an empty stomach.

Yes, many patients feel fatigued after surgery for the first week or two, but energy levels increase with time and with a higher protein intake.

Call our office and we can email you another packet. You’ll drink only clear liquids for the first 2 days after surgery, and starting on day 3 you may begin protein shakes, Genepro, or any other protein enriched liquid. Stay on full liquids until day 22, then you may begin soft solids. (ex: ground meat, eggs, cheese, lunch meat, soft foods and nothing hard or crunchy yet). By week 4 you will be able to advance your diet to a high protein/low carb diet. You will have another nutrition consultation with Tina at 6 wks post surgery that will help you reach your goals!

Call 911 if you are having an emergency. Otherwise, you can call our main office number, which will connect you to our answering service and Dr. McCarty or Crystal will be able to speak with you.

Yes, especially if you’re experiencing a drop in blood pressure. We recommend checking your blood pressure at home, and possibly cutting down on the dosage of your blood pressure meds until you can see your PCP for a medication adjustment.

Yes, you may. Just make sure that it’s sugar-free, and be careful not to swallow gum within the first couple of weeks after surgery.

Yes, the glue was placed to cover your incisions and prevent any bacteria from getting in. The glue will fall off on its own — try not to pick it off.

Yes, this is just from the gas discomfort from the air we put in your abdomen during surgery and from the normal swelling in your stomach from surgery. This typically goes away within 72 hours and may last up to a week.

Yes, you can drink from a straw anytime after surgery. We recommend not incorporating carbonation after surgery, but if you must, please make sure you wait at least 3 months, no sugar, and never consume carbonation with your meals for maximum results.