You see, gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, helps a lot against obesity. Its benefits for losing weight and improving diseases such as diabetes are real, but there are also certain long-term effects. By knowing these effects well, we can better manage them and prevent them from becoming a serious problem over time.
What is gastric sleeve?
Let’s go with something technical but simple. With this surgery we reduce the size of the stomach by 20%. The stomach is left as a thin tube, hence its name. It is useful for those who have a high BMI. It is especially useful if they have already tried unsuccessfully to lose weight and also have problems such as type 2 diabetes or apnea.
Most common long-term side effects
The gastric sleeve helps a lot to lose weight, but with time some effects may appear that we must keep in mind. Some patients feel discomfort or new problems, that is why it is essential to maintain certain care after the operation.
Gastroesophageal reflux
It is a frequent effect. After surgery, some people feel or aggravate the reflux they already had before. The new stomach changes the shape of the closure, allowing acid to rise, causing heartburn or discomfort in the throat.
Weight gain
It can happen, yes. After losing a lot of weight, some people regain some of it if they do not follow healthy habits. This happens when we stop taking care of our diet and exercise. The stomach can also become a little distended again.
Nutritional deficits
With less room in the stomach, we absorb fewer important nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and calcium. Unchecked, this can cause anemia or bone problems. That is why we recommend supplements and frequent medical check-ups.
Psychological and emotional changes
Losing so much weight not only changes the body, it also affects the mind and emotions. Your relationship with food changes, your self-esteem changes, and adjusting to your new body can be difficult without adequate support.
Explore the positive impact of gastric sleeve surgery on weight loss and improved health. Find out why this procedure in Turkey is transforming the lives of many patients by reading our article: Gastric Sleeve in Turkey: The surgery that is changing lives.
How to minimize long-term effects
The good news: these effects can be prevented with a comprehensive approach that combines medical care, nutrition and emotional support. This is a team effort where every part counts for a sustainable and healthy long-term recovery.
Regular medical check-up
Regular consultations with the medical team allow for monitoring overall health, detecting possible complications and adjusting treatment as needed. This includes blood tests to assess nutrient levels and evaluate digestive function.
Frequent consultations help us see progress, adjust as needed and catch any problems early. We test nutrient levels and make sure your digestive system is working well. That vigilance gives us peace of mind.
Balanced diet
The diet must be adapted. Eat less quantity, yes, but also choose foods with good nutrients and that are well digested. Avoiding problem foods and learning to eat again, with awareness and balance, is key to success.
Psychological support
A good emotional accompaniment helps a lot. It helps to understand the changes, to improve the relationship with food and to accept oneself. This allows to establish lasting habits, to feel good about oneself and to sustain the achievements reached after the surgery.
If you are evaluating bariatric surgery options for significant weight loss, gastric bypass is a key procedure to consider. See if this surgery in Turkey could be the right solution for you by consulting our detailed information: Gastric Bypass in Turkey: Is it the best option for weight loss?
Why choose Visit And Medcare in Istanbul?
Istanbul has become, and rightly so, a world reference for medical tourism. At Visit And Medcare, the truth is that we are very proud to be an active part of this movement. If anything defines us, it is our total commitment to quality and care for every international patient who entrusts us with their health, offering them first class treatments at truly competitive prices.
Comprehensive international patient care
From the moment you set foot in Istanbul until the day of your discharge, our goal is to make you feel accompanied at all times. We offer you assistance in your own language, we take care of your transportation, accommodation… everything! And, of course, online post-operative follow-up is key. We want to make sure that your experience is safe, comfortable and, above all, free of unnecessary worries.
Experienced professionals and advanced technology
We have a medical team that, let me tell you, is top notch. Our surgeons are certified and have a remarkable experience, especially in bariatric surgery. In addition, we are committed to the least invasive techniques and the most cutting-edge technology available, do you know why? So that you get the best possible results and recover as soon as possible.
Recovery in a safe and friendly environment
We understand that recovery is essential. That is why our facilities are modern, comfortable and designed with your peace of mind in mind. Everything is taken care of in detail to facilitate your recovery, but without forgetting that you are in Istanbul, a city with an incredible cultural richness that, if you feel like it and feel up to it, you can enjoy a little bit.
Achieving a firm, defined abdominal contour is a common aesthetic goal. Learn about the possibilities offered by abdominoplasty and other tummy tucks in Turkey by exploring our comprehensive guide to these procedures: Abdominoplasty and Tummy Tuck Turkey.
Conclusion
As we mentioned earlier, the gastric sleeve is a powerful tool for tackling obesity and improving your overall health. However, it is equally important that you are aware of the possible long-term effects and that you are committed to the necessary follow-up and lifestyle changes. At Visit And Medcare, we strive every day to be that reliable partner that makes a difference in your success and overall well-being. Because, truth be told, don’t you deserve the best at such a crucial time in your health?
