Gastric sleeve regrets are common, but we rarely hear about them in the beginning. When you first decide to pursue weight loss surgery, you are overwhelmed with the possibility. Suddenly, life doesn’t look so bleak.
The sun begins to climb the horizon casting a healthy glow on your future. Understandably, you try not to spend much time focused on the downside. I mean, what is there to regret about this amazing, life-changing opportunity?
How you think it will go vs. what it will actually be like
Gastric sleeve surgery seems pretty simple outright. Procedurally, they are just removing a chunk of your stomach so you can’t eat as much. Therefore, you lose weight. It’s like surgical portion control…you can handle that no problem! Right? Here are some of the most common gastric sleeve regrets you may face and what you can do to tackle them head on!
Gastric sleeve regret #1:
You are eating far less than you ever have. Also, you are restricted on the types of foods you can eat
Which means there are foods that you once enjoyed in bounty that you may never tolerate the same again. Food is hugely emotional; it is linked to strong memories of certain people, places, or holidays.
The hard truth: Your eyes will almost always be bigger than your stomach. It can be incredibly frustrating to prepare meals that you are only able to eat a few bites of. Dinners out, especially those with multiple courses, will require you to pick and choose what you have a bite of and what you pass.
As you may know, daily vitamins and minerals are a necessary part of care and maintenance after having gastric bypass surgery. The body’s digestive processes have been altered, and your body becomes less capable of absorbing necessary nutrients from food. To maintain proper nutrition and function after you’ve had bariatric surgery, you will need to […]
This week we are continuing the vitamin series with one of the B complex vitamins, Vitamin B12! Vitamin B12 is a very important micronutrient to keep an eye on throughout your bariatric surgery journey. Vitamin B12 deficiencies are one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in patients following bariatric surgery. In this article, we are […]
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?
Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below – we want to hear from you!
25 comments
I am 14 months out from my sleeve. I have been going through a lot of what you have talked about. I hate to exercise, always have. It is more difficult to even try because I am in so much pain. My joints hurt before I lost 80 pounds. My husband’s sister passed from cancer in Feb. of this year, I was 206. Since then with covid have gained 20. My ankles have started hurting rather severly at times, can barley walk. I am already on pain meds. Husband is 3 months ahead of me and has kept off most of his 150 lb. loss since we began the program. We are 62.
I lost about 50 pounds within a few months. It took me 5 years to lose the last 50. I will never be sorry that I had the sleeve done. It was easy healing and little by little I slowly began to eat more. I eat anything I want, drink soda pop, etc. The trick is portion size. I am holding my weight where I want it. Later on I would like to lose another 40 pounds, but right now I am very happy. I am diabetic but don’t have to take anything about it anymore, just watch my diet. The sleeve is just a tool, a very important tool. I think people don’t use it properly and let themselves drift back to their old bad habits. I am 75 years old and am very happy with myself.
Jean,
I am 55 and considering the sleeve in a couple weeks. I feel like at my age its not all about being skinny but healthy. One big concern i have is the excess skin. Did you have issues with it ? I mean, I know i’ll have it but I’m hoping not too much. Dont need any more surgeries!
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck with future weight loss and good health!
Hello, my name is Jason, and I am having the Gastric Sleeve done this next Tuesday, 12/15/2020, and I am very excited, yet nervous. I have been reading what people have wrote, and yes I do get emotional, especially when it comes to people wanting good things in their lives. I am at 286 lbs, and I an 4 ft 7 1/4 in. I was told by my doctor that I would have extra skin after my surgery, but not much. He told me ” You Will Lose 100 lbs, and I am just ecstatic about being healthier. I wish all of you the best with your future endevors.
For the first time Sense my surgery I have gained 20 lbs now I am having a hard time getting it off. I have been eating a high protein meals and some days I just have a protein shake and than a meal at around 5 and if I get hungry before bed I have a diet Greek yogurt please help
I’m glad you found it helpful, Kathy! Thanks for commenting. I’ve always found it helpful to hear another perspective from someone going through the same thing I am!
I want to thank you all for sharing my name is Joanne I am 52 years old and I have a gaxgfic sleeve scheculed for this Tuesday Sept 29th I am second thinking I am hearing abt hair loss has anyone experienced it
Hair loss after bariatric surgery is normally a temporary thing! Going through surgery, rapid weight loss and everything that comes with bariatric surgery is super stressful on the body. A natural response for the body is to prioritize other bodily functions and put hair growth on “hold” so to speak.
Check out this article for a deep dive into hair loss after bariatric surgery (let us know what you think!):
I am 58 and scheduled for a gastric sleeve on 12/03/20.
I was not told about hair loss! I am doing a no carb no sugar diet to prepare. Day 2 and feeling okay… we’ll see about tonight!
Hi Rachelle! Congrats on making the decision to get sleeved in December! It’s a great journey that will change your life 🙂
Hair loss is normally only temporary (from the physical stress of the surgery). Just make sure you take the right vitamins and the right amount and you’ll be fine long-term!
Here’s an article that goes into more detail about their loss post-op:
How did surgery go? I’m scheduled for mid-January and I can’t wait. My doctor said I was a good candidate for the gastric sleeve. Which is better? I have 100lbs to lose. A few years ago I joined a medically supervised weight loss program that limited calories to 500 per day. I wasn’t starving and I lost 50lbs in 3 months. So I know kind of what this must feel like.
I’m just finishing all my clearances and hope to be scheduled in December 2020. I’m afraid of only one thing and that is … the eating disorder will still be there after I recover. I’m worried about stupid things like never eating a rib-eye again. The anxiety of wanting to eat but not being able to is a real fear to me. Will I go out of my mind? Do you know of anyone who went nuts because of appetite v.s. capacity?
Hey Barbara! Your concern is shared with thousands of bariatric patients. The long-and-short of it is that bariatric surgery is a tool for you to use to help you lose the weight you need to lose. Bariatric surgery works. That’s a fact! But the long-term successful patients take the time post-op to learn the habits that will keep the weight off long-term.
Try your hardest to implant in your brain WHY you’re having surgery. Check out the articles here to help you see the map of your journey to come:
Addition to my previous comment….
I am 66, riddled with arthritis, two bad knees, bad thumbs, severe lower back pain and a right shoulder that is beginning to be a problem. My plan is to have the sleeve, lose the weight, work out and get strong enough to ensure a good recovery after I have my knees replaced. My biggest motivation is that I won’t have high blood pressure or cholesterol problems or medications any more. I have just become a Grandma for the first time and I want to be able to play with and be a part of my grandson’s life in a way that he’ll remember. I want to dance again. Meet a man again. I want to enjoy my life and not retire into a wheelchair.
How did surgery go? I’m scheduled for mid-January and I can’t wait. My doctor said I was a good candidate for the gastric sleeve. Which is better? I have 100lbs to lose. A few years ago I joined a medically supervised weight loss program that limited calories to 500 per day. I wasn’t starving and I lost 50lbs in 3 months. So I know kind of what this must feel like.
I am 53 and just had the sleeve on December 14th of 2020. Full of regrets right now. I can’t eat and not have pain. I loved to eat. It’s all head stuff for me. I want to eat and it sucks right now. My wife had the by pass and she is doing good. My daughter has lost over 100 lbs with a sleeve. The are not about six months ahead of me. Very depressing right now. Lost 20 lbs the first week and nothing since!!
Hi all I just had the sleeve done on jan.19th almost a week ago n I was doing great with it but now I’m haven some discomfort n I’m not sure why or wat I did this sucks big time can anyone tell me wat it’s from? N I’m haven trouble meeting my water requirements I hope it will get ezer as time goes on I take walks alot n I’m activated I just wonder when I’ll see a difference in my weight . Also I dnt care for some of the food u must eat any ideas on wat I cld change with the food ?
Hi all I just had the sleeve done on jan.19th almost a week ago n I was doing great with it but now I’m haven some discomfort n I’m not sure why or wat I did this sucks big time can anyone tell me wat it’s from? N I’m haven trouble meeting my water requirements I hope it will get ezer as time goes on I take walks alot n I’m activated I just wonder when I’ll see a difference in my weight . Also I dnt care for some of the food u must eat any ideas on wat I cld change with the food ?
Hi I’m Montez ,I wanted to have the lap band sugery can’t find anyone that does them anymore.thinking about the sleeve I’m a dibetic would love to stop my meds.are you feelin better would you have it done again.
I am contemplating the gastric sleeve. I had the band for about 6 years and had it loosened about 2 years ago. I would throw up almost daily, lost a lot of hair because I couldn’t take big pills they would get stuck. Do any of you wish you hadn’t had the surgery?
Tammy myself I had the sleeve 4 weeks ago and complications headed my way nausea the meds made me sick to my stomach I was hospitalized for dehydration and last two days from a small blood clot I have to take meds wish I had my old stomach back I should of done research before
This but it’s too late hope it gets better please guys do ur research dig deep before deciding on this praise to u wish u the best
Yaasmeen, I am sorry to hear about your complications . I am starting the process and very interested in hearing about the experiences of others. I am very concerned about nausea, I seem to be prone to it.
Can you tell me how it has been since your email here on April 24th? Have things gotten any better? Thanks, Susan
I 42 I had the sleeve surgery on March 15 2021 and I was so excited. I lost almost 40 pounds. I found out I had to have my gallbladder removed I couldn’t hold anything down. I still can’t hold anything down. I don’t know what I am doing wrong. The smell of food makes me sick eating food makes me sick. My smell is so sensitive right now. I really need help I can keep water down. I want to enjoy this experience but right now can’t. Help help thank you in advance
Tiangela, I am starting the process and very interested in hearing about the experiences of others. I am very concerned about nausea, I seem to be prone to it.
Can you tell me how it has been since your email here on May 6th? Have things gotten any better and if so what did you do differently or did it just get better with time? Thanks, Susan
I am 14 months out from my sleeve. I have been going through a lot of what you have talked about. I hate to exercise, always have. It is more difficult to even try because I am in so much pain. My joints hurt before I lost 80 pounds. My husband’s sister passed from cancer in Feb. of this year, I was 206. Since then with covid have gained 20. My ankles have started hurting rather severly at times, can barley walk. I am already on pain meds. Husband is 3 months ahead of me and has kept off most of his 150 lb. loss since we began the program. We are 62.
I lost about 50 pounds within a few months. It took me 5 years to lose the last 50. I will never be sorry that I had the sleeve done. It was easy healing and little by little I slowly began to eat more. I eat anything I want, drink soda pop, etc. The trick is portion size. I am holding my weight where I want it. Later on I would like to lose another 40 pounds, but right now I am very happy. I am diabetic but don’t have to take anything about it anymore, just watch my diet. The sleeve is just a tool, a very important tool. I think people don’t use it properly and let themselves drift back to their old bad habits. I am 75 years old and am very happy with myself.
Jean,
I am 55 and considering the sleeve in a couple weeks. I feel like at my age its not all about being skinny but healthy. One big concern i have is the excess skin. Did you have issues with it ? I mean, I know i’ll have it but I’m hoping not too much. Dont need any more surgeries!
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck with future weight loss and good health!
Hello, my name is Jason, and I am having the Gastric Sleeve done this next Tuesday, 12/15/2020, and I am very excited, yet nervous. I have been reading what people have wrote, and yes I do get emotional, especially when it comes to people wanting good things in their lives. I am at 286 lbs, and I an 4 ft 7 1/4 in. I was told by my doctor that I would have extra skin after my surgery, but not much. He told me ” You Will Lose 100 lbs, and I am just ecstatic about being healthier. I wish all of you the best with your future endevors.
For the first time Sense my surgery I have gained 20 lbs now I am having a hard time getting it off. I have been eating a high protein meals and some days I just have a protein shake and than a meal at around 5 and if I get hungry before bed I have a diet Greek yogurt please help
Thank you so much for the honest feedback! It is so helpful to hear this helpful information!
I’m glad you found it helpful, Kathy! Thanks for commenting. I’ve always found it helpful to hear another perspective from someone going through the same thing I am!
I want to thank you all for sharing my name is Joanne I am 52 years old and I have a gaxgfic sleeve scheculed for this Tuesday Sept 29th I am second thinking I am hearing abt hair loss has anyone experienced it
Hair loss after bariatric surgery is normally a temporary thing! Going through surgery, rapid weight loss and everything that comes with bariatric surgery is super stressful on the body. A natural response for the body is to prioritize other bodily functions and put hair growth on “hold” so to speak.
Check out this article for a deep dive into hair loss after bariatric surgery (let us know what you think!):
https://www.barilife.com/blog/hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/
I am 58 and scheduled for a gastric sleeve on 12/03/20.
I was not told about hair loss! I am doing a no carb no sugar diet to prepare. Day 2 and feeling okay… we’ll see about tonight!
Hi Rachelle! Congrats on making the decision to get sleeved in December! It’s a great journey that will change your life 🙂
Hair loss is normally only temporary (from the physical stress of the surgery). Just make sure you take the right vitamins and the right amount and you’ll be fine long-term!
Here’s an article that goes into more detail about their loss post-op:
https://www.barilife.com/blog/hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/
How did surgery go? I’m scheduled for mid-January and I can’t wait. My doctor said I was a good candidate for the gastric sleeve. Which is better? I have 100lbs to lose. A few years ago I joined a medically supervised weight loss program that limited calories to 500 per day. I wasn’t starving and I lost 50lbs in 3 months. So I know kind of what this must feel like.
I’m just finishing all my clearances and hope to be scheduled in December 2020. I’m afraid of only one thing and that is … the eating disorder will still be there after I recover. I’m worried about stupid things like never eating a rib-eye again. The anxiety of wanting to eat but not being able to is a real fear to me. Will I go out of my mind? Do you know of anyone who went nuts because of appetite v.s. capacity?
Hey Barbara! Your concern is shared with thousands of bariatric patients. The long-and-short of it is that bariatric surgery is a tool for you to use to help you lose the weight you need to lose. Bariatric surgery works. That’s a fact! But the long-term successful patients take the time post-op to learn the habits that will keep the weight off long-term.
Try your hardest to implant in your brain WHY you’re having surgery. Check out the articles here to help you see the map of your journey to come:
https://www.barilife.com/start-here/
If you have any questions feel free to reach back out to us!
– Derek
Addition to my previous comment….
I am 66, riddled with arthritis, two bad knees, bad thumbs, severe lower back pain and a right shoulder that is beginning to be a problem. My plan is to have the sleeve, lose the weight, work out and get strong enough to ensure a good recovery after I have my knees replaced. My biggest motivation is that I won’t have high blood pressure or cholesterol problems or medications any more. I have just become a Grandma for the first time and I want to be able to play with and be a part of my grandson’s life in a way that he’ll remember. I want to dance again. Meet a man again. I want to enjoy my life and not retire into a wheelchair.
How did surgery go? I’m scheduled for mid-January and I can’t wait. My doctor said I was a good candidate for the gastric sleeve. Which is better? I have 100lbs to lose. A few years ago I joined a medically supervised weight loss program that limited calories to 500 per day. I wasn’t starving and I lost 50lbs in 3 months. So I know kind of what this must feel like.
I am 53 and just had the sleeve on December 14th of 2020. Full of regrets right now. I can’t eat and not have pain. I loved to eat. It’s all head stuff for me. I want to eat and it sucks right now. My wife had the by pass and she is doing good. My daughter has lost over 100 lbs with a sleeve. The are not about six months ahead of me. Very depressing right now. Lost 20 lbs the first week and nothing since!!
Hi all I just had the sleeve done on jan.19th almost a week ago n I was doing great with it but now I’m haven some discomfort n I’m not sure why or wat I did this sucks big time can anyone tell me wat it’s from? N I’m haven trouble meeting my water requirements I hope it will get ezer as time goes on I take walks alot n I’m activated I just wonder when I’ll see a difference in my weight . Also I dnt care for some of the food u must eat any ideas on wat I cld change with the food ?
Hi all I just had the sleeve done on jan.19th almost a week ago n I was doing great with it but now I’m haven some discomfort n I’m not sure why or wat I did this sucks big time can anyone tell me wat it’s from? N I’m haven trouble meeting my water requirements I hope it will get ezer as time goes on I take walks alot n I’m activated I just wonder when I’ll see a difference in my weight . Also I dnt care for some of the food u must eat any ideas on wat I cld change with the food ?
Hi I’m Montez ,I wanted to have the lap band sugery can’t find anyone that does them anymore.thinking about the sleeve I’m a dibetic would love to stop my meds.are you feelin better would you have it done again.
I am contemplating the gastric sleeve. I had the band for about 6 years and had it loosened about 2 years ago. I would throw up almost daily, lost a lot of hair because I couldn’t take big pills they would get stuck. Do any of you wish you hadn’t had the surgery?
Tammy myself I had the sleeve 4 weeks ago and complications headed my way nausea the meds made me sick to my stomach I was hospitalized for dehydration and last two days from a small blood clot I have to take meds wish I had my old stomach back I should of done research before
This but it’s too late hope it gets better please guys do ur research dig deep before deciding on this praise to u wish u the best
Yaasmeen, I am sorry to hear about your complications . I am starting the process and very interested in hearing about the experiences of others. I am very concerned about nausea, I seem to be prone to it.
Can you tell me how it has been since your email here on April 24th? Have things gotten any better? Thanks, Susan
I 42 I had the sleeve surgery on March 15 2021 and I was so excited. I lost almost 40 pounds. I found out I had to have my gallbladder removed I couldn’t hold anything down. I still can’t hold anything down. I don’t know what I am doing wrong. The smell of food makes me sick eating food makes me sick. My smell is so sensitive right now. I really need help I can keep water down. I want to enjoy this experience but right now can’t. Help help thank you in advance
Tiangela, I am starting the process and very interested in hearing about the experiences of others. I am very concerned about nausea, I seem to be prone to it.
Can you tell me how it has been since your email here on May 6th? Have things gotten any better and if so what did you do differently or did it just get better with time? Thanks, Susan