Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, has been proven one of the most successful tools a person can have to manage their obesity long-term. It marks a significant step towards a healthier and happier life, and a patient can certainly expect to see significant weight loss following gastric sleeve surgery.
But while the focus is often placed on the numbers on the scale, true success after a sleeve gastrectomy extends far beyond kilograms lost or body fat percentages. This blog explores different ways patients can gauge their success post-gastric sleeve surgery and the importance of well-being and improved quality of life.
Gastric sleeve gets you moving again
One of the most tangible benefits of gastric sleeve surgery is the improvement that it can offer your mobility and general physical fitness. The limited volume capacity of the stomach with a gastric sleeve combined with new healthy eating habits results in quite rapid weight loss. As excess weight is shed, individuals will often experience a newfound freedom of movement, increased stamina and a greater ability to engage in physical activities they once found challenging.
The benefits of physical activity don’t stop at weight loss – they can help with other medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, manage chronic health conditions like arthritis or reduce chances of getting some types of cancer.
Getting moving again after a gastric sleeve can mean different things for different people. Being able to enjoy taking a leisurely walk in the park on a sunny afternoon. Or having the ability to play with children or grandchildren, who can be challenging to keep up at the best of times! Being able to pursue new hobbies, that once seemed out of reach.
Moving for mental health
We know that exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function (NLM). With increased mobility following weight loss post-gastric sleeve surgery allows people to be able to introduce light to moderate exercise as they gain strength and confidence.
Bad habits take a lifetime to develop and part of your gastric sleeve journey is creating new habits for the future. Our Health Coach Meredith is there to help guide our patients towards this happier, healthier life. Moving more or exercising are just a part of a much bigger picture. We’re here to help our patients make real, sustainable changes in their lives, that benefit both their physical and mental health.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Beyond weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery has the potential to enhance overall quality of life in numerous ways. From alleviating obesity-related health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea to reducing the need for medications and medical interventions, the positive impact on health and well-being is profound. Many individuals report experiencing increased energy levels, improved sleep quality, and a greater sense of vitality and vitality, allowing them to fully participate in and enjoy life’s everyday activities.
Newfound Confidence
One of the most empowering aspects of the post-surgery journey is the boost in self-confidence and self-esteem. As patients witness the physical and emotional transformations taking place within themselves, they often find themselves stepping into newfound confidence and embracing their unique identity. Whether it’s feeling comfortable in their own skin, trying new styles of clothing, or engaging in social activities with renewed self-assurance, gastric sleeve surgery can lead the way to positive self-image and self-worth.
Achieving Personal Milestones
Success after gastric sleeve surgery is not solely defined by the number on the scale but by the achievement of personal milestones and goals. Whether it’s climbing a flight of stairs without getting winded, participating in a charity run, or fitting into a favourite pair of jeans, each milestone reached represents a triumph of determination, perseverance, and resilience. By setting realistic and achievable goals, individuals can celebrate their progress and acknowledge the incremental steps towards long-term health and happiness
While weight loss is an important aspect of the journey, it is merely one piece of the puzzle. By celebrating non-scale victories, individuals can truly thrive and live their best lives beyond the confines of numbers on a scale.