After sleeve gastrectomy does the marital relationship improve or not

Many people considering a gastric sleeve surgery often ask the same question: Does the relationship with their partner get affected after the surgery? Whether you're planning to have the surgery or you've just undergone it, it's natural to worry about the changes that might happen in your life, especially in your intimate relationship. In this article from Dilly Medical, we will speak openly about the impact of gastric sleeve surgery on the relationship between spouses. We’ll clarify what might improve, the challenges you could face after weight loss, and also share essential tips to help you maintain a healthy and balanced relationship after the surgery.

Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Affect Male Fertility?

Obesity significantly affects male reproductive health, especially when associated with type 2 diabetes. As weight increases, the risk of insulin resistance rises, which can lead to issues with blood vessels and nerves that supply the penis, affecting both erectile function and fertility.

However, after gastric sleeve surgery and weight loss, the body begins to restore its natural balance. Many patients experience an improvement in blood sugar levels or even completely eliminate the disease, which positively impacts sexual ability and reproductive health.

Does the Sleeve Affect Hormones and Erectile Function?
Yes, after gastric sleeve surgery, changes in male hormones, such as testosterone, can occur, which might affect sexual desire and erectile function. However, the good news is that most men notice significant improvement after the surgery, especially with overall health and mental well-being improvements.

Does Obesity Cause Low Sperm Count or Infertility?
Obesity indeed affects sperm quality and count. The higher the weight, the lower the sperm count, and the higher the chances of abnormalities in sperm. Therefore, weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery can significantly improve fertility.

Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Affect Marriage?
Gastric sleeve surgery doesn’t negatively affect marriage, whether for men or women. In fact, many married couples find that their relationship improves after the surgery due to increased energy, self-confidence, and better overall health. If there is concern about fertility after the surgery, it's best to conduct tests before and after the procedure to monitor any changes and address them early.

Who is Eligible for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30 and health problems related to obesity.
Must be over 18 years old.
The surgeon will determine eligibility after a full medical examination and assessment.

Who Should Avoid Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Individuals with serious heart or lung problems.
Cancer patients.
Those with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic gastrointestinal issues.
Individuals with a BMI below 30 are not eligible for surgery.

Why is Pregnancy Restricted Immediately After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
After gastric sleeve surgery, the body is in a recovery phase, and there’s a significant change in the diet. In the first few months, the patient follows a liquid and soft food diet, which may not provide all the necessary nutrients.

Therefore, pregnancy during this time can pose risks such as:

Poor nutrition for both the mother and the baby.
Low birth weight or premature birth.
Poor fetal development due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

When Can Pregnancy Occur After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Doctors typically recommend waiting at least 18 months (1.5 years) after the surgery before attempting pregnancy. This is because:

The body should have lost more than 70% of excess weight.
Weight should have stabilized for a period.
Fertility issues, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), should be addressed.

Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Improve Male Fertility?
On the contrary, gastric sleeve surgery can improve male fertility for several reasons:

Improved Cholesterol Levels
Obesity increases bad cholesterol, which affects blood vessels and causes arterial plaque, leading to erectile dysfunction. After gastric sleeve surgery and weight loss, blood vessels improve, resulting in better erectile function.
Increased Libido
Many studies show that obese men suffer from low libido and poor sexual performance. After surgery, as the body changes, self-confidence returns, hormones regulate, and sexual activity improves.
Improved Sperm Quality
Obesity affects both sperm count and quality. With weight loss and overall health improvements, male fertility can significantly improve.

Can Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cause Infertility in Men?
No, there’s no scientific evidence indicating that gastric sleeve surgery causes infertility. In fact, most studies show that bariatric surgeries like gastric sleeve improve overall health, which positively affects both fertility and sexual health in both men and women.

When Can I Resume Sexual Activity After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The timing depends on the individual’s health, but generally, most doctors recommend waiting from 1 to 3 months after surgery to allow the body enough time to recover.

Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Affect Fertility in Women?

There is no direct connection between gastric sleeve surgery and pregnancy. However, since the surgery reduces food intake and nutrient absorption during the initial phase, it might cause a deficiency in essential nutrients for pregnancy and breastfeeding. That's why doctors recommend postponing pregnancy for about 18 months after the surgery until the body stabilizes.

Can Obesity Cause Low Libido in Women?
Yes, obesity can have a significant impact on a woman’s sexual life due to:

Poor blood flow to the genital area.
Difficulty accessing the genital area due to fat accumulation.
Low self-confidence.
Decreased libido and dissatisfaction.

All of these can improve after weight loss, making gastric sleeve surgery beneficial for overall sexual health.

Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Affect Erectile Function in Men?
Yes, but the impact is highly positive. After the surgery, as the body starts to shed excess weight, it helps in:

Balancing male hormones, such as testosterone.
Improving blood circulation, including to the penis.
Boosting mood and mental health, which are crucial for proper erectile function.

The result? Stronger and better erections without the need for medications or stimulants.

Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Affect Fertility in Men and Women?
Yes, but the effect is positive because obesity is one of the biggest causes of fertility issues in both genders. Once weight is lost, fertility significantly improves.

Impact of Gastric Sleeve on Male Fertility:

Obesity causes hormonal imbalances in men.
It affects sperm quality and count.
It can lead to erectile dysfunction and sexual problems due to conditions like diabetes and arteriosclerosis.

After gastric sleeve surgery and weight loss:
✔️ Sperm count increases.
✔️ Sperm quality improves.
✔️ Overall sexual ability improves.

Impact of Gastric Sleeve on Female Fertility:

Obesity causes hormonal imbalance in women.
It can result in ovulation and menstrual cycle issues.
It increases the likelihood of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

After gastric sleeve surgery and weight loss:
✅ Menstrual cycles become regular.
✅ Ovulation improves.
✅ Natural pregnancy chances increase.

Moreover, achieving an ideal weight helps in:

Reducing the need for fertility treatments like IVF or ICSI.
Reducing pregnancy complications such as:
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Stillbirth

What Are the Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery for Sexual Health?
After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, sexual life significantly improves, and it contributes to enhancing the marital relationship in several ways:

Improved Sexual Performance
After losing excess weight, sexual performance notably improves. As the body sheds fat, a person becomes more mobile, which helps them interact better with their partner.
Avoiding the Effects of Obesity on Sexual Health
Obesity causes issues such as erectile dysfunction in men and low libido in women. Excess weight leads to reduced blood flow to the genital organs, negatively affecting sexual performance. After gastric sleeve surgery, blood flow improves, helping enhance both erectile function and sexual desire.
Increased Fertility
Male fertility improves after gastric sleeve surgery due to increased sperm count and quality. Female fertility also improves thanks to balanced sex hormones such as estrogen and the elimination of problems like PCOS, which is often linked to obesity.
Balanced Hormones
Testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women balance after weight loss, leading to improved sexual desire and reproductive ability.
Increased Chances of Conception
Post-surgery, the chances of conception increase due to improved fertility rates. Gastric sleeve surgery also helps resolve obesity-related issues like PCOS or ovulation disorders that cause delayed conception.

Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Affect Marital Relations After Weight Loss?
The answer is simple: No, in fact, the relationship improves!
After gastric sleeve surgery, marital relations improve significantly because:

Obesity-related issues, such as erectile dysfunction and difficulty moving, are eliminated.
Confidence levels increase, which improves sexual and emotional communication.
Gastric sleeve surgery enhances happiness between spouses.

However, here are some tips to maintain a healthy sexual relationship post-surgery:

Follow a healthy diet after gastric sleeve surgery.
Engage in regular exercise to increase physical activity and fitness.
Seek medical advice for specific guidance on sexual health after surgery.

Other Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery:

Preventing obesity-related diseases like joint issues, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Increasing mobility and enjoyment of daily activities like travel, swimming, and participating in social events.
Improving digestion and eliminating stomach problems caused by large amounts of unhealthy food before surgery.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Marital Life and Sexual Health

After undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, many individuals experience a significant improvement in their marital and sexual lives. Here are the most notable benefits:

Increased Sexual Confidence
After losing excess weight, many people report a boost in self-confidence. This increase in confidence regarding body image directly impacts sexual confidence, making it easier to enjoy and engage in intimate relationships.
Improved Sexual Performance
Losing excess weight results in better physical fitness, which leads to improved sexual performance. With the removal of excess weight, individuals can move more freely, contributing to a better sexual experience due to increased flexibility and comfort during intimacy.
Increased Sensitivity and Arousal
Sleeve gastrectomy enhances blood circulation throughout the body, leading to increased sensitivity and arousal during sexual activity. These changes in circulation can heighten enjoyment during intercourse, enhancing the overall marital experience.
Improved Libido
The surgery helps balance hormone levels in the body, particularly sexual hormones. This hormonal balance contributes to a heightened sex drive, restoring vitality to those who experienced reduced libido due to obesity.
Better Reproductive Health
Weight loss improves the health of reproductive organs. Increased blood flow to these organs enhances their functionality, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable sexual experience.

Important Note: The precise effects of sleeve gastrectomy on sexual health may vary from person to person. Many psychological and physical factors impact sexual life, so it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Most Common Weight Loss Surgeries That Improve Marital Life

Several weight loss surgeries contribute to overall health improvements, which in turn positively affect marital life. Here are the key ones:

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
In this procedure, a portion of the stomach is removed to reduce its size, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed. This surgery results in weight loss and improved overall health, significantly enhancing sexual health and performance.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
This surgery is one of the most effective weight loss procedures. It involves rerouting the stomach to connect it to the small intestine, which reduces calorie absorption and allows for better weight management. Patients often notice a marked improvement in sexual activity and overall marital satisfaction.
Cosmetic Sleeve Gastrectomy
This type of surgery focuses on minimizing scars and pain post-operation by making smaller incisions and adjusting the approach to enhance body aesthetics. The cosmetic benefits boost self-confidence, which plays a significant role in improving sexual health.

Tips to Enhance Marital Life After Sleeve Gastrectomy:

Consult Your Doctor: For personalized advice on improving sexual health post-surgery.
Exercise Regularly: To improve physical fitness and energy levels.
Healthy Diet: To balance hormones and enhance libido.

How Does Obesity Affect Fertility?

Obesity significantly impacts fertility, leading to various physical and hormonal issues that reduce male sexual ability. Below are the key effects:

Hormonal Imbalances
Obesity leads to an increase in estrogen (female hormone) levels due to excess fat storage. This results in a reduction in testosterone (male hormone) levels, affecting libido and sperm count and quality.
Erectile Dysfunction
Excess fat disrupts blood circulation, reducing blood flow to the genital organs, increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction. This problem is more common in obese men.
Decreased Sperm Count
Obesity negatively affects sperm quality by reducing their count and motility, decreasing fertilization chances.
Increased Insulin Resistance
Obesity increases the risk of insulin resistance, a condition that disrupts hormone balance and the ability to regulate blood sugar. This condition affects fertility and raises the risk of infertility.
Psychological Impact
Obesity can lead to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, negatively affecting sexual desire and performance.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Diseases
Obesity increases the risks of high blood pressure and heart diseases, which negatively affect circulation and reduce sexual performance and fertility.

Conclusion: By eliminating obesity through surgery or lifestyle changes, these factors improve, significantly enhancing male sexual ability and fertility.

Sleeve Gastrectomy and Male Reproductive Health

The primary goal of sleeve gastrectomy is to reduce the stomach's size, leading to reduced calorie intake. While the main purpose is weight loss and health improvement, the procedure also has positive effects on male reproductive health, such as:

Impact on Sexual Health
Obesity increases the likelihood of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which negatively affect sexual performance and fertility. After weight loss from sleeve gastrectomy, these health conditions improve, boosting sexual performance and reproductive health.
Improved Circulation
Weight loss from sleeve gastrectomy enhances blood circulation, which is essential for sexual health. Improved blood flow helps with erectile function and sexual performance.
Psychological Effects
Weight loss enhances self-confidence due to visible physical changes, positively impacting sexual life and increasing libido.
Weight Control
Sleeve gastrectomy helps men control their weight, reducing the impact of obesity on fertility. Obesity is a major factor in decreased fertility, and weight control after surgery improves sperm quality and increases fertility chances.
Improved Testosterone Levels
Excessive obesity is linked to reduced testosterone levels. Weight loss reduces body fat, improving testosterone levels, which boosts libido and fertility.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy for Pregnancy

Sleeve gastrectomy isn’t just a weight loss procedure; it offers significant benefits for fertility and pregnancy, especially for women struggling with severe obesity. Here are the main benefits:

Increased Fertility
One of the greatest benefits of sleeve gastrectomy is improved fertility. Obesity disrupts ovulation and reduces pregnancy chances, making it harder to conceive. Sleeve gastrectomy helps address polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), improving hormonal changes and boosting pregnancy chances.
Weight Stabilization and Hormonal Balance
After sleeve gastrectomy, patients gradually lose weight, with weight stabilization occurring 6 to 12 months post-surgery. During this period, the surgery improves hormonal imbalances, which regulates ovulation and increases pregnancy chances. Doctors typically recommend waiting one year before attempting to conceive to ensure complete recovery.
Adherence to Healthy Diet
A key benefit of sleeve gastrectomy is a complete dietary overhaul. Patients adopt a healthy eating pattern that includes proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals, which prevents nutritional deficiencies that could affect pregnancy, such as anemia or chronic fatigue.
Reduced Pregnancy Complications
Losing weight reduces the risk of pregnancy complications associated with obesity, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or placenta inflammation, which increase the risk of cesarean delivery. With weight loss, these risks decrease, leading to safer pregnancies and healthier mothers and babies.
Lower Risk of Cesarean Delivery
Obesity increases the likelihood of requiring a cesarean section due to health issues during pregnancy. After sleeve gastrectomy, this likelihood decreases, making natural childbirth more feasible and aiding in faster recovery postpartum.

How to Avoid the Negative Effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery on Sexual Life

After discussing the potential negative effects of gastric sleeve surgery on sexual life, it's important to explore ways to prevent these issues and improve sexual health post-surgery. Here are some steps to help avoid complications and enhance sexual life after the procedure:

Comprehensive Medical Consultation
Before deciding to undergo gastric sleeve surgery, it is crucial to have a thorough medical check-up with a specialist. This consultation allows for a discussion of the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, including its impact on sexual life. The doctor can provide personalized advice that fits your health condition.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
After gastric sleeve surgery, it's essential to follow a balanced diet that includes necessary vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B and vitamin D, which play a vital role in maintaining sexual health. Good nutrition supports energy levels and overall health, which reflects positively on sexual life.
Regular Physical Activity
Exercise is not only important for physical fitness but also improves blood circulation and increases energy levels. Regular physical activity boosts self-confidence, which leads to improved sexual life. Light to moderate exercises are recommended after the surgery.
Focus on Mental Health
Weight changes can affect self-esteem and body image. Therefore, seeking psychological support is important to cope with physical and emotional changes post-surgery. Psychological therapy or support sessions can help boost confidence and manage feelings of anxiety or depression.
Communicate with Your Partner
One of the key factors in improving sexual life after gastric sleeve surgery is maintaining open communication with your partner. Discussing physical and emotional changes that occur post-surgery helps build a healthy, strong relationship and aids in mutual understanding of any emerging feelings or concerns.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can significantly affect sexual desire. To combat these issues, you can practice relaxation activities such as yoga or meditation. These activities help lower stress levels and improve your mental well-being.
Regular Medical Check-ups
It's important to follow up with regular medical check-ups after gastric sleeve surgery to ensure there are no health complications affecting sexual life. In some cases, consulting with specialists in sexual health can provide the support and guidance needed.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Marital Relationship After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After the gastric sleeve surgery, couples may face challenges in their marital relationship due to the physical and emotional changes that occur post-surgery. Here are some important tips to help maintain a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship after the procedure:

Take Recommended Vitamins and Medications
It's important to adhere to the vitamins and medications prescribed by your doctor after gastric sleeve surgery to ensure quick recovery and improve overall health, which will contribute positively to sexual life.
Stick to a Healthy Diet
After surgery, you should follow a balanced and healthy diet that ensures your body is properly nourished and has the energy needed for daily activities. Good nutrition also improves overall health, which in turn has a positive impact on your marital relationship.
Exercise Regularly
Even light exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes daily, helps improve blood circulation, increasing blood flow to the sexual organs and enhancing sexual performance. Regular movement is crucial after gastric sleeve surgery.
Avoid Large Meals Before Sexual Activity
It's best to avoid consuming heavy or large meals before sexual activity. Large meals can cause fatigue or indigestion, which may negatively affect your ability to engage effectively with your partner.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial. Drinking water consistently throughout the day helps improve body functions and prevents dehydration, which supports overall health and sexual vitality.
Quit Smoking
If you're a smoker, it’s essential to quit immediately, as smoking negatively affects blood circulation and increases the risk of sexual health issues after gastric sleeve surgery.
Avoid Physical Strain Before Sexual Activity
It is important to avoid heavy physical exertion or strenuous activities before engaging in sexual activity, as this could lead to erectile dysfunction or feelings of fatigue during intercourse.
Regular Doctor Visits
Keep up with regular follow-ups with your doctor after gastric sleeve surgery to ensure that all body functions are working well, which helps maintain sexual health.
Consult a Doctor If Needed
If you experience any problems or challenges in your marital relationship after the surgery, don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor. Medical guidance can be helpful in addressing any sexual health issues.
Be Patient Before Resuming Sexual Activity
It's important not to rush into sexual activity after gastric sleeve surgery. Allow your body the time it needs to recover and regain its strength and mobility. Wait until you are fully ready, both physically and emotionally.

Specialist Doctors After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After the gastric sleeve surgery, patients usually work with the following specialists:

Bariatric Surgeon: The surgeon specializes in weight-loss surgeries like gastric sleeve, as well as other procedures such as gastric bypass or balloon surgeries. This doctor is skilled in dealing with obesity and related health complications.
Nutritionist: This expert plays a vital role in guiding patients towards the correct post-surgery diet to ensure proper recovery. They help improve nutrition to prevent complications such as malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies.
Internal Medicine Doctor: After surgery, patients may need to follow up with an internal medicine doctor to monitor overall organ function, including the heart, liver, and kidneys, ensuring that the body adapts well to weight loss.
Psychologist: In some cases, patients may need psychological support to cope with changes in body image or emotional challenges related to rapid weight loss. A psychologist can assist in improving self-esteem and managing any negative emotions.
Sexual Health Specialists: If patients face issues related to sexual health after gastric sleeve surgery, consulting with sexual health experts can provide valuable support and advice.