Single Incision Surgery
Simply put, Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is surgery done through one small incision. Traditional open surgery required large incisions, which can be invasive and may increase surgical risk. Surgical techniques have advanced to laparoscopic surgery, in which surgeons make several small incisions, often less than an inch each, to allow placement of small instruments to enter the abdomen to operate. Now in Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), we can perform surgery through just one small incision, often at the belly button. This eliminates the multiple small incisions spread out throughout the abdominal wall that are made in traditional laparoscopic surgery. Often, the incision is so small and easily hidden that you may not even notice it once healed.*
Benefits of SILS*
- Quicker Recovery Time and Reduced Postoperative Pain 1
- Minimally Invasive
- Smaller scars for better cosmetic results
The TLC Difference
We are committed to providing our patients with the safest and most minimally invasive surgical options possible. Our experienced surgeons utilize SILS to perform general surgery as well as weight loss surgeries such as gastric banding and gastric sleeve. We believe in putting the patient first in order to achieve successful outcomes and help Houston live healthier.
KaceyI only have one regret... not doing this 15 years ago!
Maintain Weight Loss Goals After Single Incision Surgery
Single Incision surgery is a powerful weight-loss tool that can help patients take their first step to improved health, a more active lifestyle, and increased confidence. The TLC Surgery team is here to help you maintain your weight loss after surgery is complete. Follow these tips to stay on track:
- Create a group of family and friends to support your goals.
- Incorporate fitness into your daily life – be creative & have fun with it!
- Keep up on healthy eating habits & a nutritious diet.
- Hit a weight-loss stall? Check-in with your dietitian or physician for support.
- Keep in touch with our team! We’re here to help.
- Follow us on Instagram to receive fitness tips, healthy recipes, & so much more!
Pre-Surgery: Liquid Diet
2 Weeks Before Surgery
Protein Supplements (3 to 5 servings daily, 60-150 grams of protein daily)
Choose supplements with >20g of protein, <10 grams of fat, <10 grams of sugar, <250 calories per serving
- Ready to Drink options: Premier Protein, Muscle Milk, Unjury, Iconic
- Protein Powder options (mixed with ice, water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk, no fruit/vegetables): Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement, Isopure, Orgain
- Avoid: smoothies, food
Clear Liquids (+64oz daily)
Choose products with <50calories, <10g sugar per 8oz serving
- Water with lemon, Crystal Light, G2/GZero, Proper, MiO
- Decaf tea/coffee, herbal tea with sugar substitute
- Sugar free gelatin/ice pops
- Broth (store bought, homemade)
- Avoid: any carbonated beverages, fruit/vegetable juice, soup
Post-Surgery Diet
Day 1-2
+48-64oz Clear Liquids
- Sip on clear liquids (same clear liquid options as pre-op): Crystal Light, G2, GZero, Mio, sugar free gelatin/ice pops, broth
- Do not drink: carbonated beverages, caffeine, protein shakes
- Avoid: drinking through straws, vitamins and do not eat any food.
Day 3-14 (2 weeks)
Full/Thick Liquids
- Start slowly taking Bariatric vitamins
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1-3 Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Smooth (strained) and thick, low fat soups (no rice/noodles, meats, vegetable pieces)
- Smooth, low fat, low sugar Greek yogurt
- Smooth, sugar free pudding
Day 15-28 (weeks 3 and 4)
Pureed Foods
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: Mashed scrambled eggs, mashed white fish/tuna, finely minced ground turkey, cottage cheese
- High fiber foods: Mashed beans, mashed fruits (bananas, raspberries, pears, etc), mashed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower, avocado, etc.)
- Plain, instant hot cereals
Weeks 5 and 6
Chopped Soft Solid Foods
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: soft, tender meats (skinless, dark meat chicken, pot roast/roast beef, baked fish), eggs, low fat cheese, low fat deli slices
- High fiber foods: beans, soft cooked vegetables, peeled fruits, high fiber crackers/breakfast cereals
- Avoid bread, pasta, rice and tortillas for 6 months after surgery.
Week 7 and beyond
Chopped Solid Foods (Maintenance Phase)
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +60-80 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: chopped meats, eggs, low fat cheese, deli meats
- High fiber foods: beans, chopped and shredded raw/cooked vegetables, chopped fruits with skin-on, high fiber crackers/breakfast cereals
Am I A Candidate for Single Incision Surgery?
References
1 World J Methodol. 2015 Dec 26; 5(4): 238–254. Published online 2015 Dec 26. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v5.i4.238
*Individual Results May Vary
The TLC Surgery Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.