February 12, 2024

Gastric Sleeve Regrets – They’re Not What You’d Think

Lifestyle

Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Beyond the Hype to Real Transformation

Choosing gastric sleeve surgery isn’t just a move towards life-changing weight loss. It’s a major transformation to a healthier, enriched life.

It’s part of our nature to revisit and reflect on significant choices, especially ones involving major life interventions. Know that if you’re wondering about regrets – that’s normal and healthy. Especially because the choice to have gastric sleeve surgery springs from a deep-rooted need for transformation.

When my patients come to me, they’re often at a crossroad or tipping point after enduring years of the challenges of obesity and its many accompanying health repercussions.

What it boils down to is this: They can either continue life burdened with excess weight and the health risks that come with it, or opt for sleeve surgery.

So now let’s pivot to the post-surgery sentiments of my patients who chose to have sleeve surgery.

Do they harbour regrets? Let’s dive into their first hand experiences.

Heather’s Journey To Losing 83 lbs With The Sleeve Clinic

The “I Wish I Had Done This Sooner” Regret

The number one reflection my patients have after surgery isn’t a doubt about their decision. Rather it’s: “I wish I had done this sooner.”

The sheer magnitude of well-being and vitality they feel post-gastric sleeve surgery leaves them wondering why they waited so long to feel this way.

After living without the constant sleep disruptions, shedding the burden of excess weight, witnessing conditions like diabetes vanish and feeling a resurgence in their confidence, the difference is night and day. When they can move, breathe, and truly live without the weight they once carried, the sentiment is unanimous: “Why didn’t I give myself this gift earlier?”

Curious about these real-life feelings? Hear it directly from my patients themselves.

Did you know: Gastric sleeve patients typically add an average of 6 years to their lifespan. And for those with type 2 diabetes, it’s an impressive 9 extra years!

Why my patients wish they had weight loss surgery sooner

1. Health Improvement Beyond Weight Loss

Gastric sleeve surgery offers a multitude of health benefits beyond just shedding pounds. Surgery can lead to the improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. These improvements often occur swiftly, resulting in a remarkable boost in overall health.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, leads to significant and sustained improvements in type 2 diabetes, with remission rates up to and over 70%.

2. Enhanced Quality of Life

Another reason people express the desire to have undergone gastric sleeve surgery sooner is the profound enhancement in their quality of life.

Weight loss and improved health often translate into increased mobility, the ability to engage in physical activities, and a greater sense of self-esteem and confidence. Activities that range from taking a walk with your dog, to playing with kids on the ground suddenly become more accessible.

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine indicates that bariatric surgery not only leads to weight loss but also improves quality of life, with many patients reporting enhanced emotional well-being and social functioning

3. Escape from the Cycle of Dieting

Many patients come to realize that they have spent an excessive amount of time and energy cycling through diets and weight loss programs without achieving lasting results. I get it – I’ve been there too.

My patients become dieting experts. Gastric sleeve surgery stops the cycle of dieting by addressing the biological factors that contribute to obesity.

A comprehensive study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that bariatric surgery, including the gastric sleeve procedure, is significantly more effective for long-term weight loss than nonsurgical approaches.

Other Gastric Sleeve Regrets: What Do Patients Wish They Had Done Differently?

Deciding on gastric sleeve surgery is undoubtedly a big call. But like many significant life choices, sometimes it’s only after crossing the bridge that you truly understand the terrain.

As with anything in life, hindsight is always twenty-twenty. Sometimes patients wish they had gone into the surgery knowing certain things or with some different expectations. Let’s explore what those are.

Documenting the Journey

One consistent reflection? Not capturing the transformation more extensively, from the first step.

Looking in the mirror can be deceiving, making it hard to grasp the monumental shifts. Snapshots? They paint the bigger picture.

The Impact of Seeing is Believing

Before/after pictures serve as powerful motivation and a tangible reminder of how far you’ve come. These images not only celebrate achievements but also provide inspiration during moments of doubt.

Capturing the transformation can be an empowering way to track progress and appreciate the positive changes brought about by gastric sleeve surgery. In fact, our private Facebook patient group is flooded with proud before and after photos daily.

Excessive Pre-Surgery Worry

It’s entirely natural to have concerns and even worries leading up to any surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery. But post surgery, patients often express frustration about the amount of time they spent worrying over the procedure.

The Reality of Surgery and Recovery

Gastric sleeve surgery is a remarkably fast, simple procedure with a quick recovery period.

Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how fast the surgery itself is, often lasting just about an hour. The recovery process is usually smoother than expected, with most individuals returning to their daily activities within 1-2 weeks.

Misplaced Self-Blame

Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, some of my patients have carried a heavy burden of self-blame, believing that their weight loss failures were solely a reflection of their lack of discipline or willpower.

However, gastric sleeve patients often realize that the challenges they faced were not entirely their fault but were also rooted in their biology.

The Biology of Weight Loss

Gastric sleeve surgery works by significantly reducing the size of the stomach, which, in turn, reduces the capacity for food intake.

This physical change, combined with major hormonal adjustments, contributes to effective and sustainable weight loss.

Patients come to understand that their biology played a significant role in their struggles with obesity, and surgery is the best tool to address these biological factors.

Understanding Plateaus and Stalls

Weight loss journeys are rarely linear, and this holds true for most people who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery.

It’s common to encounter periods where the scale seems to stall or where progress is slower than expected. This can lead to a sense of frustration and self-doubt, but it’s essential to remember that plateaus are entirely normal post-surgery.

Navigating the Plateau Frustration

All my patients are counselled to understand that the scale is not the sole indicator of progress. Non-scale victories, such as improved energy levels, increased mobility, and better overall health, are equally important markers of success.

Involving Loved Ones Sooner

Some patients express frustration that they did not involve their partner, families or other loved ones in the decision-making process or in the education about gastric sleeve surgery sooner. While the decision to undergo this surgery is personal, it often impacts not only the individual but also their closest relationships.

The Importance of Support

Support from loved ones is invaluable on the journey to better health. By including partners in discussions and learning about the procedure together, patients can build a stronger support system.

Partners who understand the challenges and rewards of gastric sleeve surgery can provide emotional and practical support, fostering a sense of unity on this transformative path.

Overcoming Gastric Sleeve Hesitations: Talk to Us!

Again, when it comes to reflecting back on their sleeve surgery, the standout sentiment from my patient’s isn’t doubt – it’s that they wish they’d had it sooner.

In addition to doing your research, the best way to tackle any hesitations you may have is to talk about them. Talk to us and talk to patients who have been there.

You can speak to one of our Program Advisors anytime, for a no-pressure conversation and ask for them to add you to our private Facebook group.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery in Toronto, below are some next steps you can take:

Take a quick online quiz to see if you qualify for sleeve surgery
Request to Join the Sleeve Clinic’s Private Facebook Group
Speak with a Sleeve Clinic Program Advisor
Follow The Sleeve Clinic on Instagram

References

Dr. Scott Gmora, Bariatric Surgeon, MD FRCSC FACS

Dr. Scott Gmora is a double board-certified weight loss surgeon. He is a bariatric surgeon at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, the designated lead Bariatric Centre of Excellence in the province. Dr. Gmora is also an Associate Professor of surgery at McMaster University where he serves a senior faculty member training future bariatric surgeons. He is the proud founder of The Sleeve Clinic which provides private, out-of-hospital gastric sleeve surgery to Canadians struggling with obesity.