I am scheduled for the sleeve in April. I’m reading a lot about patients who have regained some of their weight back down the road and complain of the Ghrelin hormone returning. Is this guaranteed and will my stomach slowly go back to its pre surgical size??

Hi Kristin,

No, it is not guaranteed. And no, your stomach won't go back to it's pre-surgery size. As it heals, it will have more elasticity but it won't grow.

@Kristinqtpie Congrats on your surgery date.

Only speaking from my experience with the sleeve. I’m almost 5 years out.

Hunger is a different sensation after surgery. First out from surgery your hunger may feel less. Understand that surgery does not take away hunger 100%. You will still experience it. Hunger is more manageable post-surgery. You will have a new sensation of full. You will learn to manage real and head hunger.

What sleeves should know as you progress out.

Our pouches are banana shaped. (Other surgeries are egg shaped) Expect that your restriction will become less over time. ( It has not grown back to full size) You are not doomed to gain weight. Many mistake less restriction with stretching (Stretching is rare. Get it diagnosed by your surgeon)

With your extra stomach room, there is no reason to eat extra calories and gain weight. You can still eat food without going over your weight loss/maintaining calories. Many of us are willing to share strategies to help with hunger and extra sleeve room.

Grazing / eating around your surgery can happen to any type of bariatric procedure. Eating small meals frequently that total over your weight loss calories and macros. This can be in a combination of healthy and unhealthy foods. The sensation is as if you never had surgery. You will gain weight.

Many of us fear weight gain. Work your plan. Dont be afraid to ask for help if you do experience a gain.

Best of luck to you,

Jenn

Thank you everyone! Im probably over thinking it as I’ve not even had the surgery yet and already worried. It’s self pay though and I just don’t want to have wasted all that money.

4 minutes ago, Kristinqtpie said:

Thank you everyone! Im probably over thinking it as I’ve not even had the surgery yet and already worried. It’s self pay though and I just don’t want to have wasted all that money.

Its good to ask questions. Many people are told hunger is 100% gone. It’s a great post to help others looking in to surgery. Never be afraid to post. I'm excited for all the things coming your way. You will be on the other side of weight loss soon.