Well, some people experience excessive bleeding during or after the gastric sleeve surgery. This can be very dangerous and might need immediate medical attention. Also, there can be problems with the anesthesia, like allergic reactions or other complications that can put the patient's life at risk. And then there's the issue of long - term digestive problems. Some patients end up with chronic nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
There are horror stories about psychological impacts too. After the surgery, some patients struggle with body image issues in a different way. They may feel restricted in their social lives because of dietary limitations. In addition, if the weight loss is too rapid, it can lead to excess skin, which can be a source of self - consciousness and may require further cosmetic surgeries. There are also cases where the initial expectations of the surgery were not met, leading to disappointment and regret.
The complication rates vary. Leakage, for example, occurs in about 1 - 3% of cases. Nutritional deficiencies can be quite common in the long run if proper supplementation isn't followed, maybe in around 20 - 30% of patients over a few years. Bleeding during surgery is less common, around 1 - 2% of surgeries.
One inspiring story is of a person who could barely walk due to excessive weight. After gastric sleeve surgery, they lost weight steadily and now can go for long walks and even hikes. It's amazing to see the transformation in their mobility.
Some horror stories might include issues like improper medical facilities. For example, some patients have reported going to clinics in Mexico that seemed unclean or not up to standard. There could also be problems with unqualified surgeons. In some cases, patients faced post - surgery complications that were not properly managed due to lack of proper medical resources or expertise in the Mexican facilities they chose.
There are also horror stories related to long - term nutritional deficiencies. Since the gastric sleeve reduces the size of the stomach, patients can't eat as much as before. This often leads to a lack of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Some patients end up with anemia because they can't absorb enough iron, or they develop bone problems due to a lack of calcium. Over time, these deficiencies can cause a whole host of health problems like fatigue, weakness, and brittle bones.
Sure. One success story is of a woman who had been overweight for years. After gastric sleeve surgery, she started losing weight steadily. She was able to fit into clothes she hadn't worn in ages. Her health also improved. Her blood pressure returned to normal and she had more energy to do daily activities.
One benefit is better weight management. In success stories, low BMI patients often find it easier to control their weight after gastric sleeve surgery. For example, they can eat smaller portions without feeling deprived. Another benefit is improved health markers. Some may see a reduction in blood pressure or better blood sugar control. Also, they gain more confidence as they see themselves losing weight and looking better.
A common horror story is related to the psychological impact. Some patients find that they are not prepared for the drastic changes in their eating habits and body image. They may experience depression or extreme anxiety. For example, a patient who used to enjoy eating large meals suddenly finds that they can only eat a very small amount and this change makes them feel like they've lost a part of their identity. Also, there have been cases where the surgical staples used in the procedure come loose or cause internal damage. This can lead to internal bleeding and other serious complications that require immediate medical attention.
Some people have reported psychological issues after gastric sleeve surgery. They may develop body dysmorphia because they don't see the expected results quickly enough. They might also feel guilty about eating, even small amounts, which can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. For instance, a patient might avoid social situations where food is involved, fearing that they'll be judged for what they eat or how much they eat, which can have a negative impact on their mental health.
There's Mary who opted for gastric sleeve. She was always self - conscious about her weight. Post - surgery, she noticed a significant reduction in her appetite. She focused on eating high - protein foods and lots of vegetables. In a year, she dropped from a size 20 to a size 12. She's more confident and active now, even joining a local hiking club.
One reason is lack of proper pre - and post - surgery care. If patients don't follow the strict diet guidelines before and after the gastric band surgery, it can cause all sorts of issues. For example, eating too much or the wrong kinds of food can put pressure on the band and cause it to malfunction. Another factor is that the technology itself is not perfect. There can be mechanical failures with the band or the port that connects to it, which can lead to horror - story - like situations.