Gastric sleeve surgery can be a life-changing experience for severely overweight individuals struggling with obesity-related conditions. However, this is a major operation that requires much thought and consideration. Deciding on a bariatric procedure can be overwhelming, not to mention pricey, so it can make you question whether it's worth it or not. To help with this decision, we have compiled a list of benefits that can result from gastric sleeve surgery. What This Article Covers: The Major Benefit: Weight Loss Other Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Worth It? The Major Benefit: Weight Loss The number one reason why people go through gastric sleeve surgery is to jumpstart weight loss. In gastric sleeve surgery, this is achieved by removing close to 80% of the stomach. Not only does the surgery make your stomach smaller in order to decrease food intake, but it also has an effect on gastric hormones. This would include the hormone that regulates hunger, called ghrelin. Changes to the the stomach affecting the hunger hormone can further contribute to weight loss efforts. The Importance Of Diet Post Surgery To see the most benefits in terms of weight loss, you will need to follow a very strict bariatric diet. The diet will prioritize protein and include a bariatric specific multivitamin for life. While experiencing rapid weight loss, the body can breakdown muscle mass for energy. High protein intake is utilized to compensate for the loss to maintain and build muscle. Consuming adequate protein can also help to prevent hair loss after gastric sleeve surgery, which can be a common complication. Protein is necessary to maintain and repair certain tissues. It is the building block of most of our cells, tissues, and muscles. There are various products that have been tailored especially for post gastric sleeve surgery patients. This includes things like bariatric protein soup, bariatric multivitamins, bariatric protein supplements, and meal replacement shakes for bariatric patients. These products will help to provide adequate nutrition that may be a struggle to obtain after bariatric surgery due to restriction and/or malabsorption. Other Benefits Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Although weight loss is seen as the number one benefit for many people, there are a lot of other benefits that come with gastric sleeve surgery. Improved Cardiovascular Health Losing a significant amount of weight has a positive impact on your heart and overall cardiovascular health. Gastric sleeve surgery decreases your risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, heart and kidney failure, and atrial fibrillation, to name a few. Increased Motivation To Be Active Extreme obesity can make exercise increasingly difficult and uncomfortable. For this reason, many people avoid it. However, as you start to lose weight after bariatric surgery, exercise can become easier and more rewarding. Many people focus on muscle building and toning to prevent loose skin after surgery, while others may strive for goals of bodybuilding after gastric sleeve surgery. However, something to be wary of after gastric sleeve surgery is the prevalence of acid reflux. This can create a barrier to working out and weight loss progress due to the uncomfortable effects of acid reflux. Improved Or Resolved Obesity-Related Conditions Gastric sleeve surgery, often helps to decrease blood pressure, improve depression, relieve joint pain, and improve or resolve type 2 diabetes in the long term. The weight loss and effect on gastric hormones is directly related to the improvement or resolution of most obesity-related conditions. Improved Fertility There is a higher risk of PCOS if you are suffering from obesity and/or a family history of the syndrome. Weight loss seen with gastric sleeve surgery can directly impact fertility in women that struggle with PCOS. Pregnancy after gastric sleeve surgery is much more attainable. However, practitioners recommend waiting at least 12 to 24 months after a bariatric procedure before trying to conceive. This time frame can vary based on your individual situation and further medical conditions. To ensure the fetus can receive the proper nutrition, you are required to wait until you are fully healed and able to consume a consistent bariatric diet, not transitioning through food stages. Improved Quality Of Life Obesity can limit various daily activities. This could include simple tasks like moving around, sitting down, driving, and walking. Obesity can also be correlated with body aches, fatigue, depression, and many physical limitations. Losing weight helps to lessen these difficulties, making daily living easier and more enjoyable. Bariatric patients report an improvement in energy levels and less body pain. After gastric sleeve surgery, there is improvement in life expectancy for those that were struggling with obesity-related health conditions. Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Worth It? Numerous benefits come with having gastric sleeve surgery. However, any kind of surgery comes with a complication risk. This can include possible weight gain after gastric sleeve surgery, acid reflux after gastric sleeve, and possible bariatric surgery revision. Another thing to keep in mind is that following rapid weight loss, there can be loose skin left behind. For cosmetic appearance or for health concerns, you may require a tummy tuck after gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures. It is important to do your research and see if there are any other negative aspects of getting weight loss surgery. Usually the benefits will outweigh the negatives. Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking: 6 Months After Gastric Sleeve Gastric Bypass Long Term Results Drinking Alcohol After Gastric Sleeve Surgery What To Eat Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery Gastric Sleeve Pain After Eating Anorexia After Gastric Sleeve Bariatric Surgery Options How Much Weight Loss to Expect With a Gastric Bypass Where Can I Get Gastric Bypass Surgery? Bariatric Recipes - Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Shake Bariatric Support Groups 5 Tips To Healthy Eating After Bariatric Surgery Importance Of A Bariatric Specific Multivitamin For Life Life After Weight Loss Surgery: 5 Things You Should Know The Benefits of Zinc and Copper After Bariatric Surgery **This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.