Weight loss surgery has helped thousands of people achieve their goals, but it’s not a small commitment! You have to plan, take time off work, rest, and learn a new way of taking care of yourself & your health… So it’s totally normal to think, well, why go through this and invest my time & money if it’s not going to be effective?
Well, reader! In this blog, our team at BMI Surgery will answer all your questions about your stomach stretching and why it may happen so, you can feel confident as you work to achieve your weight loss goals.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery works by changing the structure of the stomach. The surgeon will reduce its size by about two-thirds, minimizing the quantity of food you can eat and the number of calories absorbed by your body.
The surgery is minimally invasive. Gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is performed laparoscopically, which means smaller incisions and generally less recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
The FDA-approved procedure is effective and requires little downtime, so there’s no surprise it’s one of the most popular weight loss surgeries in US.
Will My Stomach Stretch After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Most often, your stomach will stretch after gastric sleeve surgery. But before you panic, it’s entirely normal for your stomach to expand a little after surgery. Our stomachs naturally stretch as we eat, which won’t change after a gastric sleeve procedure. After digestion, the stomach will contract to its original shape and size.
The problem may come if we overeat. Once your stomach is full, your body will alert you, so you will stop consuming food. But, if we overeat, the stomach will stretch to make room for the extra food. If this happens rarely, the stomach will still shrink after digestion. But if overeating happens often, the stomach can permanently stretch out, and the body can confuse fullness signals as hunger, which may lead to weight gain.
How Can I Avoid My Stomach Stretching After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
You can avoid stretching your stomach after gastric sleeve surgery in various ways. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. If you overeat a meal or two, don’t be so discouraged that it ruins your efforts. Instead, acknowledge what happened, brainstorm ways to avoid it next time, and plan your next healthy meal.
Some of our tips to avoid a stretched stomach include:
- Limit volume, not foods or food groups: If you restrict yourself from certain foods, like sweets or carbs, you may end up eating more on accident. Allow yourself to have your favorite foods in moderation.
- Eat small snacks in between meals if you feel hungry.
- Plan portioned, healthy meals in advance to help you stay on track, especially if you have a busy schedule.
- Avoid drinking beverages during your meals. If you drink throughout your meal, you may fill up on fluids instead of nutritious foods. We recommend drinking before and after your meals, but not during.
Find Support & Expert Advice After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Don’t feel like you’re alone on your weight loss journey! We understand that it can be unsettling, knowing you could impact your stomach’s size. That’s why our team at BMI Surgery is dedicated to your overall well-being–from the beginning to the end of your weight loss journey. Our team of experts at BMI Surgery team has years of experience helping people achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.
Begin Your Weight Loss Journey at BMI Surgery in Birmingham, AL
Discover your weight loss surgery options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery. With many years of experience, our team provides personalized and quality care to help you meet your goals. Call us at 205-850-1972 or contact us online to learn more about how to get started on your weight loss journey and improve your quality of life!
