Gastric sleeve 10 years later
Gastric sleeve 10 years later, gastric sleeve surgery is an effective bariatric surgery to achieve weight loss. For many individuals struggling with overweight and obesity, this surgery offers a long-term solution to achieve permanent weight loss. However, maintaining weight loss after surgery and in some cases, weight regain is one of the main concerns of patients. So, what is the rate of weight loss 10 years after gastric sleeve surgery and why does weight regain occur?
In this blog post, we will discuss long-term weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery, the causes of weight regain and ways to improve postoperative success.
10-Year Weight Loss Rate After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The results obtained 10 years after gastric sleeve surgery are generally successful. According to studies, most patients are able to lose 51% to 54% of their excess body mass after surgery. This rate indicates that even 10 years after surgery, patients continue to lose and maintain about half of their excess weight.
The first few years after surgery are the most active period in patients’ weight loss process. However, over time, weight loss may slow down and reach a fixed point. At this point, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits plays a critical role in making weight loss permanent.
Weight Regain After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Although gastric sleeve surgery offers effective results, some patients may experience weight regain over the years. There can be many reasons behind weight regain and there are several factors that influence this. These factors are mainly as follows;
1. Changes in Sleeve Size
During gastric sleeve surgery, a large part of the stomach is removed and reduced in size. However, over time, the stomach has the capacity to stretch and this stretching can allow patients to consume more food. Increased stomach volume is one of the important factors leading to weight regain. This can happen more frequently, especially when the recommended diet is not followed after surgery.
2. Changes in Hormones
Gastric sleeve surgery also affects the hormones that regulate appetite. In particular, the hormone ghrelin decreases with the reduction of the stomach, which helps to reduce the feeling of hunger. However, in some patients, ghrelin levels may increase again over time, which can send hunger signals to the brain, leading to increased appetite. Hormonal changes can be one of the main causes of weight regain.
3. Failure to Follow a Diet and Exercise Plan
Sticking to a proper diet and exercise plan is essential to maintain weight loss after surgery. However, some patients may neglect these recommendations some time after surgery. Consuming high-calorie foods, adopting a sedentary lifestyle and not paying attention to portion control are among the main factors leading to weight regain. Therefore, it is of great importance to maintain healthy living habits after surgery.
Tips to Prevent Weight Regain
There are some important points to consider to maintain weight loss and prevent weight regain after gastric sleeve surgery. Here are the ways to be successful in this process:
1. Stick to the Postoperative Diet
Sticking to the diet recommended by your doctor and dietitian after surgery plays a key role in the sustainability of weight loss. In particular, paying attention to portion control and eating a protein-based diet will support your stomach capacity to remain limited.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is of great importance for maintaining weight loss. Moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes a week is effective in maintaining weight control. Strength training is also recommended to increase muscle mass and speed up metabolism.
3. Monitor Your Hormone Levels
Postoperative changes in hormones that regulate appetite, such as the hormone ghrelin, may affect weight loss. Monitoring your hormone levels with regular doctor checks and taking measures to address this situation when necessary will be beneficial in terms of appetite management and weight loss.
4. Avoid Emotional Eating Habits
Emotional states such as stress, depression or anxiety can cause some patients to overeat. Receiving psychological support or developing alternative coping methods to deal with such situations after surgery can help in achieving weight control.
5. Do not neglect your follow-up appointments
Regular medical check-ups after surgery ensure that your weight loss process proceeds in a healthy way. Your doctor can detect possible complications early and give you the necessary advice on weight regain.
Gastric sleeve surgery is an effective method of bariatric surgery in achieving long-term weight loss. After surgery, patients can lose most of their excess weight and maintain this weight for a long time if they maintain healthy living habits. However, there is always the possibility of weight regain and regular medical check-ups, healthy diet and exercise habits should be maintained to prevent this situation.
If you need help in maintaining weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery, you can contact us to determine the most appropriate strategies for you. Gastric sleeve surgery can help you not only lose weight but also improve your overall health.
