Home / Health / Gastric Sleeve: Not a Quick Fix, Says Patient
Gastric Sleeve: Not a Quick Fix, Says Patient
2 Apr
Summary
- Patient endured a year of daily sickness after gastric sleeve.
- She spent £2,250 for surgery in Turkey, significantly cheaper than UK.
- Weight loss led to improved health, with diabetes now resolved.
Charlene Buchanan, a 44-year-old childminder from Fife, Scotland, shared her experience with gastric sleeve surgery, which she underwent in Izmir, Turkey, in October 2023 for £2,250. This procedure, significantly cheaper than the UK's upwards of £7,000, involves reducing stomach size to limit food intake and promote weight loss. Ms Buchanan, who struggled with weight for decades and suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure, found the recovery arduous.
She described the first year post-surgery as extremely difficult, marked by daily sickness due to her body's intolerance of even tiny food portions. The recovery involved a strict progression from liquids to mushy foods before reintroducing solid meals. Although the surgery resolved her pre-existing health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, Ms Buchanan highlighted the mental and physical challenges of relearning to eat and adapting her habits.
Following her gastric sleeve, Ms Buchanan lost six stone. Impatient with the pace of weight loss, she later used Mounjaro injections, which aided her in losing an additional three stone, reaching her goal weight. Despite the struggles, she now feels she has her life back, with increased energy and improved self-worth. She plans to return to Turkey for a mummy makeover next year.
