The decision to get Gastric Sleeve Surgery comes with a lot of hope for patients and what post-op life will be like.

As one of the safest bariatric surgeries preferred by the expert medical team at VIDA Bariatrics, the Gastric Sleeve allows patients to lose weight thanks to a smaller stomach and less Ghrelin production, the hunger-causing hormone.

It is a fact that after getting Gastric Sleeve surgery, patients can expect to lose weight for up to 18 to 24 months. But beyond all of the success stories flooding the internet with bariatric patients who have lost up to 80% of their weight, it is easy to forget a hard topic: weight gain after a Gastric Sleeve.

Can you gain weight back after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Is it possible to regain weight after bariatric surgery? Yes. To better address this topic, we had a chat with some of our board certified bariatric surgeons.

“There are too many doctors who treat patients for their gastric sleeve procedure and never discuss the follow-up, nor do they talk about the possibility of gaining weight back. I like to be upfront about it, and explain to my patients that it is possible to regain weight and then some after any bariatric surgery. The good news is that if we work closely with the patient and explain to them how the procedure helps them and what steps they can take to make the most out of it, we can prevent weight gain and set them up for a life full of healthy habits.”

Gaining weight after a Gastric Sleeve is possible…but preventable.

While patients can feel discouraged by this information, our expert surgeons assure us that gaining weight after gastric sleeve surgery is definitely not the norm. Particularly when you go to a surgeon who supports patients throughout their weight loss journey, even post-op.

“We get a lot of patients who haven’t thought about the possibility of gaining weight after having a Gastric Sleeve. We always outline strategies for the patient on how to prevent that from happening. We are their support team after all. So whether they need extra help by seeing a nutritionist or just need to understand the procedure better, we are there for them.”

The first thing patients need to learn is the logic behind it. The stomach is an elastic muscle, and while a surgeon will remove a significant portion of it, this doesn’t change. Your new smaller stomach can stretch after a Gastric Sleeve because it retains those expansion and contraction capabilities, which allow food to flow through when you eat. When people constantly overeat, they constantly overstretch their stomach. “Think of a rubber band, If you over-stretch it too often or for too long, it will not shrink back to its original size. Here at VIDA Bariatrics, we like to provide that visual example to help patients understand the importance of following a balanced diet, with adequate portions after their surgery.”

Simple steps to avoid re-gaining weight post Gastric Sleeve  

• Remember that getting a Gastric Sleeve is only one part of your weight loss journey. Patients must make a lifelong commitment to changing their eating and exercise habits.
• Tracking your food intake and discussing sustainable strategies with a nutritionist can set you up for success.
• Set real goals and make yourself accountable. Take it step by step: one day at a time, one healthy meal at a time.
• Gastric Sleeve means changing and adjusting: to a new body, with your loved ones and to your new dietary restrictions. Join a Gastric Sleeve support group to help you navigate these changes and keep the weight off.

Contact our VIDA Bariatrics department so we can help you finally beat obesity! Our staff will help you decide if a Gastric Sleeve is for you, craft a strategy that will ensure you lose the weight and keep it off and make sure you get all the support you need. Visit our website  or call us at
1 (619) 610-1667 to see how we can help you!

DR. GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ RUIZ MD Ph.D. FACS

Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez specializes in General and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. She brings to VIDA Wellness and Beauty a wealth of experience in bariatrics. Dr. Rodriguez is a founding associate of the Mexican College of General Surgeons. A world-class bariatric surgeon with double certification in the US and Mexico.