Hanna’s Gastric Sleeve Journey

Hanna’s story

From struggle to strength

Heaviest weight: 314 lbs (2016). Current weight: 212 lbs.

After years of battling weight regain, gastric issues, and undiagnosed conditions like gallstones and gluten sensitivity, Hanna made the life-changing decision to undergo bariatric surgery. She had lost weight with diet in 2017, but it came back, and her doctor suggested a gastric sleeve.

Why Hanna chose 360 Sleeve

Hanna found that 360 Sleeve stood out for its transparency and comprehensive care, including the post-op program.

A new outlook and continued motivation

Now, with her newfound energy, strength, and focus, Hanna’s perspective has shifted from just losing weight to setting and achieving fitness goals. She strength trains.

Hanna’s advice for success

Her first piece of advice: prioritize protein in each meal.

Before and after

Individual results vary. This is one patient’s experience, not a promise of yours: your surgeon talks you through what to expect at a free consultation.

What to know

The topic behind Hanna’s journey, in general terms: what usually matters, what your surgeon looks at and questions worth asking.

Why weight comes back

Many people lose a lot of weight with diet and exercise at least once. Keeping it off is the hard part. In one study, a year after a diet, the hormones that drive hunger were still higher and the ones that signal fullness were still lower than before the diet. The body defends its old weight. That is biology, not a lack of willpower.

Other things can add to it: health conditions such as thyroid problems, some medicines, stress, poor sleep and big life changes. Your family doctor or surgeon can look at these with you.

When surgery is discussed

Canadian guidelines (2020) say bariatric surgery can be considered with a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. It should be considered with a BMI of 30 to 35 when type 2 diabetes stays poorly controlled despite good treatment.

At a consultation, your surgeon looks at your BMI, your health history, what you have already tried and your goals, and explains which options may suit you, including options without surgery.

Habits that help after a sleeve

• Protein first. About 60 to 80 g a day, or what your dietitian advises, helps you feel full and keep muscle.
• Movement you can keep. Walking, a home workout or a walking pad counts. Over time, Canadian guidelines suggest 150 to 300 minutes of activity a week, plus strength work.
• Drop all-or-nothing. A ten-minute walk is better than none. Consistency beats intensity.
• Stay in touch. Follow-ups with your nurse and dietitian help you catch a stall or a slip early.

Questions to ask

• Could a health condition or a medicine be affecting my weight?
• Which options fit my BMI and health, with and without surgery?
• What happens if my weight starts to come back after surgery?
• What support is there for habits and emotional eating?