Symptoms of Indigestion After Gastric Sleeve: How to Recognize It

Indigestion is common after gastric sleeve surgery due to the reduced stomach volume and the digestive system’s adaptation process. Common symptoms include:

  • Bloating and a feeling of discomfort
  • Burning sensation or pain in the stomach
  • Frequent need to burp
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Excessive fullness after meals

Note: These symptoms can resemble conditions such as dumping syndrome or stomach ulcers. If your complaints become frequent, consult your doctor.

What Helps Relieve Indigestion After Gastric Sleeve? 7 Effective Solutions

1. Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly

  • Chew each bite 20–30 times.
  • Eat small portions over 30 minutes.

2. Don’t Drink Liquids with Meals

  • Drink water 30 minutes before or after meals.
  • To maintain stomach volume, consume liquids between meals.

3. Prioritize Protein-Based Foods

  • Choose easily digestible proteins like eggs, yogurt, and fish.
  • Eat red meat in small, well-cooked portions.

4. Soothe With Herbal Teas

  • Ginger, mint, and chamomile teas soothe the stomach.
  • Fennel tea helps reduce gas and bloating.

5. Take Light Walks After Meals

  • Gentle 5–10 minute walks aid digestion.
  • Don’t lie down right after eating; sit upright for at least 30 minutes.

6. Include Probiotics in Your Diet

  • Kefir, yogurt, and pickle juice support gut flora balance.

7. Practice Stress Management

  • Stress can increase stomach acid and trigger indigestion.
  • Try breathing exercises and meditation.

What to Eat and Avoid for Indigestion in Gastric Sleeve Patients

Recommended:

  • Boiled vegetables (like zucchini)
  • Kefir
  • Probiotic shots
  • Low-fat cheese and yogurt

Avoid:

  • Fried and fatty foods
  • Spicy and acidic items
  • Sugary and carbonated beverages
  • Raw vegetables and tough meats

3 Breathing Exercises to Reduce Indigestion Complaints

Diaphragmatic Breathing:

  • Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds.
  • Repeat 5–10 times daily.

4-7-8 Technique:

  • Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8.
  • Helps with stress-related indigestion.

Balloon Breathing Exercise:

  • Take a deep breath and exhale slowly as if inflating a balloon to relax stomach muscles.

Which Drinks Cause Indigestion?

  • Carbonated beverages (cause bloating)
  • Coffee and tea (increase acidity)
  • Alcoholic drinks (irritate the stomach)
  • Acidic fruit juices (like orange juice)

Recommended Drinks:

  • Warm water
  • Ginger tea
  • Coconut water

4 Emergency Measures for Indigestion

  • Drink Warm Water → Soothes the stomach.
  • Avoid Lying Flat → Sit upright or take a light walk.
  • Smell Peppermint Oil → Reduces nausea.
  • Drink Chamomile Tea → Has antispasmodic effects.

Conclusion

Indigestion after gastric sleeve surgery is usually a temporary adaptation process. With proper nutrition and lifestyle changes, it can be managed. If symptoms persist, be sure to consult your doctor.

Tip: Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods trigger indigestion!

You can browse our recipes at Bariatrik Mutfak and visit our Türkçapar Bariatrics website for more information.