Sleeve gastrectomy is a frequently used surgical method in the fight against obesity. However, some patients may not achieve the expected results after this operation. Therefore, those who cannot adapt to lifestyle changes after the surgery may feel regret.
Particularly, returning to unhealthy eating habits in the postoperative period leads to weight gain. Additionally, the negative consequences of not exercising regularly also contribute to this situation. As a result, this process can be challenging for some patients and may lead to feelings of regret.
Insufficient Information and Unrealistic Expectations
Sleeve gastrectomy may cause regret in some individuals due to insufficient information before the surgery. This often stems from unrealistic expectations.
Most patients may think that surgery is a miracle solution in the weight loss process. However, the reality is that this operation is not a solution by itself but only part of the process. To achieve success in this process:
- Balanced and healthy eating
- Regular physical activity
- Psychological support
such lifestyle changes must be adopted. Additionally, it is important for patients to be correctly informed about the short and long-term results of the operation.
The lack of education and proper information can cause patients to struggle in managing the postoperative period and ultimately feel regret. Therefore, it is crucial to create realistic expectations and provide adequate information during the medical consultation process.
Challenges of Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Changes
The period after sleeve gastrectomy represents a significant transformation process for patients. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can be a major challenge for some patients. In this process, dietary habits need to be fundamentally changed.
Additionally, regular physical activity is an indispensable part of the weight loss process. However, adapting to these changes may not be easy for everyone. Those who cannot adhere to the recommended diet and exercise plans after surgery:
- May not lose enough weight,
- May regain the weight they lost.
As a result, these mismatches can trigger feelings of regret. Patients must realize that surgery alone is not enough and requires continuous effort.
Postoperative Complications
Some patients may encounter unexpected difficulties after sleeve gastrectomy. These difficulties can often overshadow the expected benefits of the surgery.
Particularly when complications arise, it is possible for patients to feel disappointment and regret. Here are some of these complications:
- Postoperative infections can develop. This situation prolongs the recovery process and may require additional treatments.
- Internal bleeding can cause pain and discomfort in the surgery area. Additionally, this may require the patient to stay in the hospital for a longer period.
- Complications related to anesthesia can cause serious health issues for some patients.
- Stomach leakage is one of the riskiest complications of the surgery and requires urgent intervention.
Such complications can negatively affect the patient’s postoperative recovery expectations. Moreover, these problems can make it difficult for the person to return to normal life. Therefore, patients who face complications may feel regret about their decision to undergo surgery.
Social and Psychological Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy
The changes experienced after sleeve gastrectomy are not only physical. Patients can encounter various social and psychological challenges during this process. Weight loss can increase a person’s self-confidence. However, this situation can be met with different reactions in some social circles.
Negative effects such as the deterioration of old friendships can be observed. The following points explain the main social and psychological effects encountered after the surgery:
- Increased confidence after weight loss helps some patients feel happier.
- Those who experience an identity change may feel that they have moved away from their old selves.
- In family and friend relationships:
- Some patients may see improvement in their relationships,
- While some may have relationships that are strained or end due to jealousy.
The postoperative period is an adaptation process for patients. The changes experienced during this process can also cause fluctuations in the patient’s social environment.
Therefore, the changes brought by sleeve gastrectomy can affect patients’ quality of life in different ways. These effects vary according to each individual’s experience.