Hi Guys,

I'm a 37 year old guy from Scotland and am seriously considering gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey through a company called Mcan Health.

I have been overweight my entire life but am currently the heaviest I've ever been weighing in at around 275lbs. I'm only 168cm tall so am now classed as morbidly obese.

I have issues with my joints due to being so overweight and am extremely depressed and thoroughly hate the way I look.

I am just trying to find out if gastric sleeve surgery is right for me? I have tried every diet under the sun and while I do tend to.loseva little weight initially I always pile it back on and more!

I would love to hear from anyone who has had the surgery and how it worked out for you? Good and bad stories are most welcome.

I've also read that fizzy drinks are a no no after the op and wondered if this was permanent? I enjoy a few beers with friends every so often and would really miss being unable to do this however being healthy means more!

Sorry for rambling on a bit but as I say any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance ?

50 minutes ago, Albus said:

Hiya,

Fellow Scot here

I had a sleeve done 2 years ago when I was 39. Would do it again tomorrow and twice the day after! I went to Belgium for my surgery with Dr Dillemanns in Brugges - 100% recommend!

I was advised to do a predominantly liquid diet for two weeks pre op but was allowed veg and some chicken. I did it for a month as figured it would all help.

As far as work goes everyone is different but if it's light packages I'd have thought couple of weeks.

I was on solids after 4 weeks I think, if I recall my first solid meal was steak and char grilled asparagus and tender stem broccoli

Carbonation is fine for me now, still enjoy and pint or several, the only difference is it's not really easy to drink soon after eating.

Feel free to PM if you want a chat and good luck with whatever you decide!

Spot on, thanks mate! Any chance you could PM me details of your surgeon in Belguim?

I did two weeks on keto. Had one friend on shakes & another on a combination for three weeks. Seems it depends on your surgeon & your starting weight.

Post surgery I was fluids for two weeks, purées for two weeks followed by soft foods for another two before beginning solid foods. Take it slowly. Your tummy will tell you what you can or can’t tolerate but I wouldn’t push it through the stages quickly.

Took me a good three weeks to feel up to working but I always take a long time to get over things (healing, viruses, etc. - I have Gilbert’s & my BP was low).

No lifting for two weeks & then less than 5kg for another two. Then no more than 10kg for the next two. Remember you’re healing from major stomach surgery.

Always had a large glass of wine every night & enjoyed a good scotch or G&T. Now hardly ever drink. Lost the taste for it & don’t miss it. Certainly don’t need it to socialise with friends. Plus it was taking an hour to drink a glass. Would avoid mixing with juices - high calories & sugar. Also beware of addiction swapping. It’s a concern for post weight loss surgery patients to turn their addiction for food to something else.

Carbonated drinks are very filling. Better to be getting in your protein & good nutrients than filling your small tummy with soft drinks. (Plus I personally have an issue with artificial sweeteners - they still feed your sugar craving.)

If the tool is to help you & you intend to be successful long term you will have to change your relationship with food: how you eat, what you eat, when you eat. It takes work and your life will change but for the better.