Gastric Sleeve Before and After Photos (3 Months to 2 years)
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Meet Some of Our Patients Who Underwent Gastric Sleeve Surgery Before & After Photos
If you are exploring weight loss surgery, you have likely searched for “gastric sleeve before and after” photos. Seeing the real-life transformations of other patients can be a powerful motivator. It provides a visual answer to the most important question: “Will this work for me?” This page is designed to walk you through what those gastric sleeve before after photos truly represent—not just the weight loss, but the complete health and life transformation that follows this procedure.
The journey is about more than just a number on a scale. It’s a “health gain” journey. As a surgical team with over two decades of experience, we have guided thousands of patients through this process. Our expert team is here to help you understand what you can realistically expect, from your first month to the years that follow. We provide personalized surgical solutions to help you achieve your own successful “after” photo.
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The Transformation Timeline: Gastric Sleeve Before and After 3 Months
Many patients are eager to know how quickly they will see results. The gastric sleeve before and after 3 months comparison is often one of the most dramatic. This initial period is when the most rapid weight loss typically occurs. This is due to a powerful combination of factors: the new, smaller size of your stomach (restriction) and a significant reduction in the hunger hormone, ghrelin (hormonal change).
During these first 12 weeks, your body is in a new, high-efficiency mode. You are healing from surgery and following a strict, medically-guided diet that progresses from liquids to pureed, then soft, and finally solid foods. Because your appetite is significantly reduced and your portions are small, your body uses its stored fat for energy, leading to fast, consistent weight loss. It is common for patients to lose 25-35% of their excess body weight during this 3-month period. This is not just a visual change; many patients also report feeling more energetic, moving more easily, and seeing the first major improvements in health conditions like high blood pressure and joint pain.
This phase is also a critical time of adjustment. You are learning a completely new way of eating and building the foundational habits that will be essential for your long-term success. While the gastric sleeve before and after photos at 3 months are impressive, they are the result of a patient’s dedication to their new lifestyle.
What is the weight loss timeline after gastric sleeve?
Patients typically experience very rapid weight loss in the first 3 months (up to 35% of excess weight). This slows to a steady loss over the first year. Most patients reach their target weight, or lose 60-70% of their excess body weight, within 12 to 18 months after surgery.
A Common Concern: Gastric Sleeve Before and After Skin
One of the most frequent questions our team receives is about gastric sleeve before and after skin. It is a valid and important concern. After significant and rapid weight loss, it is common for patients to have loose or excess skin. The reason is simple: your skin has been stretched for a long time, and the rapid weight loss doesn’t give it enough time to shrink back, especially if its elasticity has been reduced by age, genetics, or smoking.
The amount of excess skin a patient will have varies greatly from person to person. Factors include:
- Age: Younger skin has more elasticity and tends to retract better.
- Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a large role in your skin’s elasticity.
- Total Weight Lost: A person who loses 150 pounds (68 kg) will likely have more loose skin than someone who loses 70 pounds (32 kg).
- Lifestyle: Staying hydrated, eating a high-protein diet, and not smoking can help your skin’s health, but may not prevent loose skin entirely.
It is important to have a realistic perspective. Many patients view their loose skin as a “badge of honour”—a reminder of the incredible, life-saving journey they have completed. For others, it can be a source of discomfort. Building lean muscle through exercise can help fill out the skin. After your weight has been stable for at least 18 months, some patients opt for plastic surgery (body contouring) to remove the excess skin. We can advise you on all your options during your long-term follow-up.
Will I definitely have loose skin after weight loss surgery?
Most patients who undergo bariatric surgery will have some amount of loose skin. The severity depends on your age, genetics, and the total amount of weight lost. While exercise can help tone the underlying muscle, it will not typically eliminate excess skin. Body contouring surgery is an option after your weight stabilizes.
Why Choose Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe for Your ‘After’ Photo?
When you look at inspiring gastric sleeve before after photos, the most important element in that patient’s success is their surgeon. The right surgical team is the foundation of a safe and effective transformation. Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe is a leading figure in bariatric surgery, bringing a level of expertise that is truly world-class.
With over 25 years of experience and more than 3,000 successful surgeries, Prof. Dr. Karatepe has managed a vast range of patient cases, from straightforward primary surgeries to complex revision procedures. His expertise is not just based on clinical volume; it is academic. As a Professor of Surgery, he has contributed to hundreds of national and international publications, which means he is at the forefront of the latest, safest, and most effective surgical techniques. This deep authority in the field ensures you are receiving care that is based on proven, cutting-edge medical science.
Prof. Dr. Karatepe is an expert in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. For you, the patient, this minimally invasive approach means a better “before and after” experience: less post-operative pain, minimal scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and a much faster recovery. We provide personalized surgical solutions, creating a plan that is tailored to your specific health needs to ensure the best possible long-term outcome.
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Contact us now! 👉 +90 530 489 94 74
How to choose the right gastric sleeve surgeon?
This procedure is performed by a bariatric surgeon (a general surgeon with specialized fellowship training). When choosing your surgeon, look for board certification, extensive experience (1,000+ procedures), and a surgeon who operates in an accredited, high-tech hospital. Most importantly, choose a surgeon who provides a comprehensive, long-term aftercare program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Gastric Sleeve Journey
Q: What is gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss operation where a surgeon removes about 75-80% of the stomach. This leaves a small, “sleeve-shaped” stomach, which helps patients eat less and feel full faster, leading to effective weight loss.
Q: What are the “non-scale victories” after a gastric sleeve?
A: These are the positive before and after changes not related to weight. They include having more energy, fitting into an airplane seat comfortably, crossing your legs, playing with your children, and seeing the improvement or remission of conditions like high blood sugar (type 2 diabetes), high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea.
Q: What can I eat right after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: You will follow a strict, phased diet. You will start with clear liquids for the first few days, then progress to full liquids, pureed foods, and then soft foods over several weeks. This gives your new stomach sleeve time to heal properly.
Q: Will my stomach stretch after surgery?
A: The stomach sleeve will not stretch back to its original size. However, it can stretch slightly. This is why it is crucial to follow the dietary guidelines, eat small portions, and avoid eating and drinking at the same time to ensure long-term success.
Q: Will I experience hair loss after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Some patients experience temporary hair shedding 3-6 months after surgery. This is not from the surgery itself, but is a temporary body response to rapid weight loss and nutritional changes. It typically resolves as your weight and nutrition stabilize, especially if you follow your vitamin guidelines.
Q: How long is the recovery from gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights. You can typically return to a desk job or light activities within 2-3 weeks. You should avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks to allow your body to heal fully.
Q: How long does the gastric sleeve surgery itself take?
A: The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically (using “keyhole” incisions) and usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Prof. Dr. Karatepe’s experience ensures the procedure is as efficient and safe as possible.
Q: Can I get pregnant after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Yes. In fact, fertility often improves dramatically after weight loss. It is strongly recommended to wait at least 12 to 18 months after surgery before trying to conceive. This allows your weight to stabilize and ensures your body and the baby can get adequate nutrition.
Q: What does the “before and after” look like for health problems?
A: The health transformation is often the most important part. Bariatric surgery can lead to the remission or significant improvement of many serious conditions, including high blood sugar (type 2 diabetes), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint pain, and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Q: How big will my scars be?
A: Because the surgery is performed laparoscopically, you will not have a large scar. You will have 3-5 small incisions (each about 1-2 cm). These small scars fade significantly over time and are easily hidden.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized treatment plans, please contact Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe directly.
Contact Us Today
Our expert team in gastric sleeve surgery is ready to assist you on your own “before and after” journey. If you have more questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us.
Free WhatsApp Consultation:
Contact us now! 👉 +90 530 489 94 74
How can I book an appointment?
You can contact us directly via phone, WhatsApp, or by filling out the online contact form on our website. Our dedicated patient coordinators will be happy to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.