How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Ruined My Life: The Brutal Truth from Someone Who Had It

My Life Pre-Surgery

All my life I struggled with obesity. By age 30, I was morbidly obese at nearly 300 pounds and 5' 3". I had tried every diet, exercise plan, and weight loss pill out there without lasting success. When my doctor suggested gastric sleeve surgery, it felt like the answer to my prayers. I figured with most of my stomach removed, I'd finally be thin, healthy and happy.

Initial Rapid Weight Loss

Just as advertised, the pounds seemed to melt off immediately after surgery. Within the first 3 months, I lost over 50 pounds. I felt great, had energy like never before, and needed to buy all new clothes in a smaller size. For once losing weight felt easy I wasn't constantly hungry and the weight came off no matter what I ate. My friends and family couldn't believe the transformation.

The Honeymoon Period Ends

Around 6 months post-op, I hit a plateau. The weight loss slowed to a crawl, despite my best efforts to stick to the recommended diet. Apparently this is very common the "honeymoon period" ends and reality sets in. The surgery alone can no longer produce the desired results.

My First Complication

A few months later, I experienced my first major complication from the surgery. I started having intense pain and difficulty swallowing all of a sudden. An endoscopy revealed an intestinal stricture a narrowing of part of the digestive tract likely due to scar tissue formation. I had to undergo a few painful dilation procedures to open up the stricture so I could eat normally. This complications risk was never disclosed to me before surgery.

The Domino Effect

That was only the beginning of the issues I developed. Next came relentless acid reflux that made my life miserable. I also began suffering from embarrassing flatulence. And no matter what I ate, I battled chronic nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. My hair became brittle and started falling out. I developed gallstones likely due to rapid weight loss. Anxiety and depression began to take hold as I struggled to cope.

Each issue seemed to trigger the next in an endless cycle. My quality of life was deteriorating despite the initial weight loss.

Weight Regain

To top it off, I slowly began regaining the weight I had lost. At first it was a few pounds. But within 3 years of surgery, I was back to nearly my original weight even though I diligently followed the program. This type of recidivism after bariatric surgery is depressingly common.

More Procedures and Repairs

Hoping to undo the damage, I went under the knife again to convert from gastric sleeve to more aggressive gastric bypass. And later I required another surgery to repair complications from that procedure. More complications, more nutritional deficiencies, and more medical bills I couldn't afford.

Rock Bottom

At my lowest point, I spent weeks in the hospital suffering from post-surgical complications no one warned me about. I lost my job due to missing so much work for medical reasons. I had to move back in with my parents because I couldn't care for myself. The financial stress compounded my depression. This was rock bottom.

I cursed my surgeon for selling me on the minimally invasive, low-risk rosy image of bariatric surgery. My life felt ruined.

Turning Things Around

With intensive counseling, spiritual support from friends, and major lifestyle changes, I eventually turned a corner. Through proper nutrition, daily exercise and managing my mental health, I started making slow improvements to my physical and emotional wellbeing. I still have health challenges, but I've come to accept the most important person responsible for my health is myself.

In retrospect, while the surgeon performed my procedures, I jumped into bariatric surgery far too hastily. I put unrealistic expectations on it being a quick fix.

Advice For Anyone Considering Bariatric Surgery

Here is the advice I wish someone had imparted to me before undergoing gastric sleeve and other weight loss surgeries:

1. It's Not a Magic Fix

Bariatric surgery is only a tool, not a cure. You still have to put in the hard work to adopt a fitness-focused lifestyle. Don't expect it to magically solve your weight problems long-term.

2. You Must Change Your Lifestyle

After surgery you can't go back to old eating habits. To avoid complications and weight regain, you need a lifelong commitment to clean eating, exercising, supplementing nutrients, and following up with your bariatric team.

3. Expect Permanent Side Effects

Surgery permanently alters your digestive anatomy. Be prepared for long-term consequences like gas, bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, vomiting, and more that you'll need to learn to manage.

4. Recognition Complications

Up to 40% of patients require additional surgeries and procedures later on due to complications like strictures, hernias, gallstones, ulcers, and malnutrition.

5. You'll Need to Take Supplements

Malnutrition is common after bariatric surgery. You'll have to take vitamins, minerals, protein shakes and supplements for life to prevent this.

6. Emotional Struggles Don't Disappear

Pre-existing depression, eating disorders and emotional issues often resurface after surgery. Get counseling to cope effectively before and after.

7. Weight Regain is Common

Up to 50% of patients start regaining weight between 18-24 months post-op. Sticking to recommended diets and exercise is crucial.

8. Hair Loss is Likely

Nutritional deficiencies from surgery often cause hair to thin and fall out. Be prepared to adjust hairstyles accordingly.

9. Surgery Alone Won't Lead to Happiness

Don't expect surgery itself to resolve challenges in other areas of life and relationships. Weigh benefits versus risks carefully.

10. Leaning on Support is Critical

You'll need a strong social support system for help with diet, exercise, emotional support, and more after surgery. Don't try to tough it out solo.

I don't want to discourage anyone from getting bariatric surgery. For some people it truly is lifesaving and transformational. But going in with realistic expectations about the risks, lifestyle changes, and long-term commitment required is so important.

Questions to Ask Your Bariatric Surgeon

If considering weight loss surgery, come prepared with questions for your bariatric surgeon including:

• What are the complication and mortality rates at your bariatric center specifically?
• Can you connect me with former patients willing to share their experiences?
• How many follow-up visits will be required and what does lifelong monitoring involve?
• What dietary changes will be required post-surgery?
• What side effects or complications should I expect?
• What percentage of your patients experience weight regain?
• What happens if I don't lose weight or regain it later?
• Do you offer mental health services pre and post-op?
• Will insurance cover revisions or repairs if needed down the road?

Don't let the surgeon's amazing before and after pictures or promises of a new life overly sway your decision. Get the complete facts about the surgery's benefits and risks.

Support Groups Can Provide Valuable Insight

Joining bariatric surgery support groups online can provide candid insights into the pros and cons of procedures like gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and lap band surgery. Patients are often willing to share struggles and complications they faced post-op that surgeons may not highlight.

Pursuing Therapy First

For some individuals considering bariatric surgery, pursuing counseling and developing healthy lifestyle habits first may make sense. Working with a therapist and nutritionist can help address underlying emotional issues, relationship with food and exercise habits. Surgery may still be an option down the road if needed.

Exploring Nonsurgical Options

Some doctors and dietitians encourage obese patients to engage in medical weight management programs for 12-24 months prior to getting surgery. These intensive programs utilize meal replacements, weight loss medications, increased activity and frequent monitoring to help patients lose weight without surgery first. If unsuccessful despite compliance, surgery is reconsidered.

What I'd Do Differently Today

In retrospect, I wish I had tried intensive medical weight loss under close medical supervision before rushing to get bariatric surgery. I would have pursued counseling to address my emotional dependence on food and underlying depression.

I'd also encourage anyone considering surgery to be brutally honest with themselves. Are you truly ready to devote your life to major diet modifications, exercising daily, taking supplements, and lifelong medical monitoring? Surgery is not a quick fix.

While bariatric procedures like gastric sleeve can be life-changing for some, they permanently alter your body. Serious risks and complications are far more common than I realized. Understand the hazards fully before taking the leap.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.