When we were first researching weight loss surgery, this was the question that kept us up at night: Is the gastric sleeve really right for us?
It’s one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make – one that affects your health, your emotions, your relationships, and your daily life. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but after going through it ourselves, we can share what helped us make that decision and what you should think about before taking the leap.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery (also known as sleeve gastrectomy) involves removing around 75–85% of your stomach, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped “sleeve.” This new stomach holds much less food and also produces fewer hunger hormones (especially ghrelin), which helps reduce appetite.
It’s a permanent procedure – unlike the gastric band, there’s no adjustment or removal later. For us, that permanence was intimidating at first, but it also represented real change.
The goal isn’t just fast weight loss – it’s a complete reset of your relationship with food, portion control, and long-term health.
Who Might Benefit Most from a Gastric Sleeve
Every person’s situation is unique, but generally, you may be a good candidate if:
- Your BMI is 35 or higher, or 30+ with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, or hypertension.
- You’ve tried other weight-loss methods (dieting, medication, exercise) without sustainable results.
- You’re ready to make lifelong lifestyle changes, including altering your diet, eating habits, and exercise routine.
- You understand the risks and long-term commitments that come with bariatric surgery.
- You’re motivated by health – not just appearance – and want to improve your quality of life.
We met all of these criteria, but the most important part for us wasn’t ticking boxes – it was being mentally ready.
The Mental and Emotional Readiness
We can’t stress this enough: mindset matters more than weight when deciding if this surgery is right for you.
Before surgery, we had to accept that it wasn’t a magic fix – it was a tool. The surgery limits what you can eat, but it doesn’t stop you from making poor choices if you want to. The emotional side – learning how to eat slowly, letting go of comfort foods, and coping with stress in new ways – is a huge part of the journey.
If you’re still emotionally attached to food or find yourself eating to cope with stress, it’s worth taking the time to work through that first, whether with a therapist, support group, or your GP.
For us, those emotional adjustments were harder than the physical recovery.
The Physical Commitment
Physically, the surgery is safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, but it’s still major surgery. The first few months afterwards can be challenging – fatigue, nausea, taste changes, and learning how to eat again.
You’ll need to:
- Follow a strict food progression (liquids, purées, soft foods, then solids).
- Take vitamins and supplements every day, possibly for life.
- Stay hydrated, which can be surprisingly difficult at first.
- Listen to your body – pushing too hard can set you back, as we learned the hard way.
But once you get through the adjustment phase, the results can be life-changing. Within three months, our energy, mobility, and overall health improved more than we thought possible.
Risks and Considerations
Every surgery has risks, and it’s vital to weigh them honestly. Possible complications can include:
- Leakage along the staple line
- Infection or bleeding
- Blood clots
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Emotional challenges post-surgery
That’s why choosing the right surgeon and clinic is crucial. Do your research thoroughly, read patient reviews, and look for accreditation. (In our case, we even asked our company’s Riga office to help research our chosen clinic locally to make sure it had a good reputation – and it did.)
The Long-Term Lifestyle Change
If you’re thinking about a gastric sleeve, ask yourself this:
“Can I see myself living differently for the rest of my life?”
Because that’s the real commitment. It’s not just about losing weight – it’s about maintaining it. You’ll need to build new routines around food, fitness, and mental wellbeing.
We’re 18 months post-surgery now, and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been worth it. Our health issues linked to obesity are gone, our confidence is back, and life feels manageable again. But it takes ongoing effort – from supplements and hydration to the daily decision to keep learning and improving.
Questions to Ask Yourself
If you’re still unsure, here are some questions we wish we’d asked ourselves earlier:
- Am I ready to change my relationship with food completely?
- Can I commit to lifelong follow-up care, blood tests, and supplements?
- Do I have a strong support system – family, friends, or a bariatric group?
- Have I considered the emotional changes that come with rapid weight loss?
- Do I want this for health reasons, or am I looking for a quick fix?
If your answers show long-term readiness and self-awareness, then a gastric sleeve might be the right next step.Final Thoughts
The gastric sleeve isn’t an easy way out – it’s a powerful tool for people ready to change their lives. It gives you a head start, but you still have to do the work.
If you’re considering it, take the time to research, speak to professionals, and listen to stories from people who’ve lived through it – both the good and the bad.
For us, it was the single best decision we’ve ever made for our health. But it worked because we went in prepared, realistic, and ready to take responsibility for the results.
Disclaimer: This post reflects our personal experience living with a gastric sleeve and should not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, bariatric surgeon, or qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about weight loss surgery.