What to do if the Gastric Sleeve Stops Working?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a preferred option for individuals seeking weight loss through bariatric surgery. While many find success, others encounter hurdles like weight regain or inadequate weight loss. This article delves into potential reasons behind these difficulties, offers advice on tackling them, and shares valuable insights into the gastric sleeve journey.

Why Is Gastric Sleeve Not Working?

Various elements can impact the effectiveness of a gastric sleeve, such as:

Eating habits: With a reduced stomach capacity following gastric sleeve surgery, patients must pay attention to portion sizes and pace of eating. Overindulging or consuming food rapidly could stretch the stomach over time, diminishing the procedure's benefits. Combat this by adhering to your surgeon's dietary recommendations, eating smaller portions, and taking your time with meals. Also, avoid drinking liquids during meals or within 30 minutes before or after eating.

Dietary choices: Consuming high-calorie, fatty, sugary, or carbohydrate-rich foods may inhibit weight loss or trigger weight gain post-surgery. Focusing on nutrient-dense foods while limiting processed, fried, or starchy items can foster a healthier lifestyle and support weight loss. Emphasise lean meats, eggs, fish, dairy products, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.

Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise is vital for maintaining a healthy weight following surgery. However, some patients might not engage in enough physical activity, leading to weight regain or insufficient weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, starting with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga, and gradually increasing intensity and duration as your fitness level improves.

Underlying health issues: Hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, or other health conditions could obstruct weight loss post-surgery. Consult a doctor for testing and treatment to identify and address any medical issues. Be proactive in managing existing health conditions and communicating with your healthcare team to optimise your weight loss journey.

Considering Additional Aspects

Emotional and mental factors: Addressing the emotional and mental aspects of weight loss following gastric sleeve surgery is crucial. Support from friends, family, or a therapist can help patients navigate feelings of frustration or disappointment. Joining support groups or participating in online forums can foster a sense of community and encouragement.

Long-term dedication: Gastric sleeve surgery necessitates a lifelong commitment to healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Patients must be prepared to adapt and make adjustments as needed to maintain their weight loss objectives.

What Can You Do If Gastric Sleeve Fails?

If the above strategies are unsuccessful, patients have other avenues to explore:

Contemplate revision surgery: Transforming a gastric sleeve into a gastric bypass or duodenal switch introduces a malabsorptive component, reducing calorie and nutrient absorption. While this can boost weight loss, revision surgery has its own risks and should be carefully considered with a bariatric surgeon. Patients should weigh the benefits and risks of revision surgery and evaluate individual circumstances before deciding.

Botox as a potential solution: In some cases, Botox injections have been used as a temporary treatment for gastric sleeve failure. Botox, or botulinum toxin, can be injected into the stomach, causing the muscles to relax and delay gastric emptying, which can help control hunger and promote feelings of fullness. This approach may offer a less invasive alternative for patients struggling with weight regain or inadequate weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery. However, it's important to note that Botox injections are not a long-term solution and may need to be repeated every few months for continued effectiveness. Patients should discuss this option with their healthcare team to determine if Botox injections are an appropriate intervention for their specific situation.

Join a medically supervised weight loss program: These programs offer personalised support from healthcare professionals, helping identify factors obstructing weight loss, such as emotional eating or stress. Programs may include diet, exercise, behaviour modification, and medications if necessary. With guidance from a multidisciplinary team, patients can receive tailored advice and support to overcome weight loss challenges.

Address sleep and stress: Insufficient sleep and elevated stress levels can significantly impact weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery. Prioritising sleep and practising stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies can improve overall well-being and support weight loss efforts.

Schedule regular check-ups with healthcare professionals: Consistently communicating with your healthcare team, including your bariatric surgeon, nutritionist, and primary care physician, can help monitor your progress and address any issues that may arise. Regular check-ups can ensure you stay on track with your weight loss goals and provide the necessary support to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In Conclusion

Gastric sleeve surgery may not be the perfect solution for everyone's weight loss journey. However, patients experiencing challenges should not lose hope. By remaining committed to their health and seeking professional guidance, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve their weight loss goals. With the right mindset, lifestyle changes, and medical interventions, patients can regain control of their weight and improve their quality of life after gastric sleeve surgery.

For those considering gastric sleeve in Turkey, it is essential to research and choose a reputable facility with experienced bariatric surgeons. Ensuring you receive quality care and support throughout the process can contribute to a successful weight loss journey and a better overall experience. We take care of all of these aspects if you choose us to organise your treatment in Turkey, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation!