I am 3 weeks post op of the sleeve gastric, I am still eating my sweets what are my chances for losing weight?

Question

Reza Keshavarzi, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

The research shows that those whom follow the post operative diet well, tend to do the best long-term. Sweets are not approved on our diet as we are trying to cut them out. So, you really need to cut them out. The earlier, the better if you truly want to be successful. Cravings often come from psychological issues or vitamin deficiencies. We recommend our patients to begin their supplements about 1 month post operatively. If that doesn’t work, look to see what may be causing the psychological cravings. We also recommend you to follow-up with a bariatric psychologist. We have one on staff that works with each of our patients to address these types of emotional cravings. We also recommend to get regular blood work to make sure there is no deficiency. So, if you really want to be successful, put down the sweets and walk away. Talk to someone...your healthcare provider is a good start.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

At three weeks post–sleeve gastrectomy, you are still in the early stages of recovery, and what you do during this time can significantly influence both your short- and long-term weight loss outcomes. It’s important to recognize that the surgery itself is a powerful tool, but it is only one part of a much larger equation. Long-term success depends heavily on how you adapt your eating habits, activity level, and overall relationship with food.
Continuing to consume sweets this early in your recovery raises some concerns. At three weeks post-op, most bariatric programs still recommend a structured progression through soft or puréed foods, focusing on high-protein, low-sugar, nutrient-dense choices to support healing and preserve muscle mass. Eating sweets during this phase&mdash;particularly refined sugars&mdash;can interfere with weight loss, increase the risk of developing unhealthy habits, and potentially lead to early weight plateau or even regain.
More importantly, sugar does not provide the satiety or nutritional value your body needs after bariatric surgery. Consuming sweets may also blunt the hormonal benefits of the sleeve by triggering insulin spikes and cravings, which counteract the appetite-regulating effects the surgery is designed to enhance. While the sleeve limits the volume of food you can eat, it does not prevent the intake of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods&mdash;what we often refer to as "slider foods" or "liquid calories." Over time, this can result in insufficient weight loss or eventual weight regain, despite the mechanical restriction of the stomach.
That said, it’s not too late to change course. At three weeks post-op, you are still very early in your journey, and there is a great deal of potential ahead&mdash;but it requires active participation. Re-engaging with your bariatric care team, including your dietitian and behavioral health provider, can help you identify the reasons behind the continued intake of sweets and guide you toward building sustainable, healthy patterns. Sometimes, emotional eating, habit loops, or even withdrawal from sugar can drive these cravings, and addressing those underlying issues is just as important as modifying your diet.
While continuing to eat sweets three weeks after sleeve gastrectomy may jeopardize your weight loss if left unaddressed, you still have every opportunity to reset your approach. With structured support, nutritional guidance, and consistency, you can realign your habits and significantly improve your chances of long-term success.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello,I recommend that you go to your certified doctor so he can guide you and answer all your doubts and questions. You should also go to a nutritionist to guide you with the healthy habits that go along a gastric operation.Best Regards

I am 3 weeks post op of the sleeve gastric, I am still eating my sweets what are my chances for losing weight?

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I am 3 weeks post op of the sleeve gastric, I am still eating my sweets what are my chances for losing weight?

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Everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.