Before and after: 150 kg to 62 kg (194 lb lost)
What is the solution if weight returns after a sleeve and there is a hernia?
In Somaya’s case from Jordan, her weight returned to 150 kg four years after a previous sleeve, with a 10 cm hernia and extensive adhesions. The solution was revision surgery converting the sleeve to a mini gastric bypass while repairing the problem, after which she reached 62 kg. The surgeon chooses the type of revision after tests and endoscopy. Results vary from patient to patient.
Somaya in her own words
Somaya from Jordan, 33 years old. My previous weight was 128, and my current weight is 62.
I had a sleeve gastrectomy at a government hospital and lost only a little weight. Then I got married, travelled, and my weight kept going up quite normally, and after 4 years I was back at 150 kg 😱. I went to find out why I was gaining, even though I felt unwell whenever I ate too much. Anyway, I did tests and it turned out I had a 10 cm hernia in the stomach and needed surgery.
Of course, after the first experience I had to find an outstanding doctor, because besides the hernia I had a lot of adhesions caused by mistakes in the first sleeve surgery. I asked around a lot and saw more than one doctor, and God sent us Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi.
We went and learned that the surgery was not easy at all. I was in surgery for about 4 hours because of all the adhesions. But, thank God, I had the surgery and got a partial bypass, and it changed my life completely for the better.
I can move normally and sleep normally again, and my confidence is back. I’m a different person: I choose my clothes now, my clothes don’t choose me. I sit comfortably on planes and in cars, and nobody calls me ‘auntie’ anymore 😂.
Read the original Arabic
سمية من الأردن، عمري 33 سنة، وزني السابق 128، ووزني الحالي 62.
أنا عملت عملية تكميم في مستشفى حكومي ونزل وزني شوي صغير، وتزوجت وسافرت ورجع وزني يزيد عادي جداً، وبعد 4 سنوات رجع وزني 150 كيلو 😱. رحت أشوف سبب الزيادة رغم إني إذا أكلت بزيادة بتعب. المهم عملت تحليل وطلع عندي فتق 10 سانتي في المعدة ولازم عملية.
طبعاً بعد التجربة الأولى لازم أشوف دكتور مميز، لأنه عندي مشكلة غير الفتق: مشكلة التصاقات كتير جراء الغلط في عملية التكميم الأولى. المهم سألت كتير ورحت لأكتر من دكتور، وربنا بعت إلنا الدكتور محمد عبد الوهاب الزيتاوي.
رحنا وعرفنا إنه العملية مش سهلة أبداً، وبقيت في العملية تقريباً 4 ساعات بسبب الالتصاقات الكتير. بس ما شاء الله والحمد لله عملت العملية، وعملت تحويل مسار جزئي، واللي حوّل حياتي للأفضل بالكامل.
رجعت أتحرك طبيعي وأنام طبيعي، وثقتي رجعت إلي. صرت حدا تاني: أنا اللي بختار لبسي، مش لبسي اللي بيختارني. صرت أقعد بالطيارة وبالسيارة وأنا مرتاحة، وبطّل حدا يقولي يا حجّة 😂.
A previous sleeve and weight regain to 150 kg
Somaya had a sleeve gastrectomy at another hospital when she weighed 128 kg, but her weight loss was limited. Her weight gradually returned after marriage and travel until it reached 150 kg four years later, even though she felt unwell whenever she overate. Tests revealed a 10 cm hernia in the stomach area, as well as extensive adhesions from the first operation.
Complex revision surgery lasting 4 hours
After her first experience, Somaya looked for a surgeon specialized in revision surgery and consulted more than one doctor before reaching Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi. It was explained clearly that the surgery would not be easy because of the adhesions. It lasted nearly 4 hours, during which the adhesions and hernia were dealt with and the sleeve was successfully converted to a mini gastric bypass (partial bypass).
A new life at 62 kg
Somaya reached 62 kg, 88 kg less than before the revision surgery. She moves and sleeps normally again, sits comfortably on planes and in cars, and has regained her confidence and freedom to choose her clothes. In her words: “nobody calls me ‘auntie’ anymore.”
The journey, step by step
- First sleeve at another hospital
Sleeve gastrectomy at 128 kg with limited weight loss.
- Weight regain to 150 kg
After marriage and travel, her weight gradually returned over 4 years to 150 kg.
- Diagnosis: 10 cm hernia and adhesions
Tests revealed a large hernia near the stomach and extensive adhesions from the first operation; she consulted more than one doctor.
- Revision surgery
A complex operation of about 4 hours with Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi: treating the adhesions and hernia and converting the sleeve to a mini gastric bypass.
- Result: 62 kg
88 kg lost, normal movement and sleep restored, and full self-confidence.
Weight regain after a sleeve has several possible causes, including stomach dilation, a hiatal hernia or technical issues in the first operation, so assessment always starts with tests and endoscopy to find the cause before choosing a solution. Somaya’s case was complex because of extensive adhesions and the hernia; revision surgery needs experience, careful planning and more time than primary surgery. After gastric bypass, lifelong vitamins and minerals with regular blood tests are required, and pregnancy should be postponed for 12 to 18 months after surgery in coordination with the doctor. Results vary from patient to patient.
This story reflects one patient's experience. Your result depends on your starting weight, health, the chosen procedure and your commitment after surgery. Only a personal medical evaluation can tell you what to expect.
Somaya, 33, from Jordan, had a sleeve gastrectomy at another hospital at 128 kg; four years later her weight returned to 150 kg, and a 10 cm hernia with extensive adhesions was found. At Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi’s center she underwent revision surgery of about 4 hours, converting the sleeve to a mini gastric bypass. Her weight dropped to 62 kg (88 kg lost) and her mobility, sleep and confidence improved. Results vary between patients.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Somaya lose after converting her sleeve to a bypass?
She went from 150 kg to 62 kg, 88 kg in total, after revision surgery with Dr. Mohammad Al-Zaitawi.
Why does weight come back after a sleeve?
Common causes include stomach dilation over time, a hiatal hernia, technical issues in the first operation, or returning to unsuitable eating habits. The doctor identifies the cause with tests and endoscopy before recommending a solution.
Can a sleeve be converted to a gastric bypass?
Yes. Converting a sleeve to a mini or classic gastric bypass is a common solution for weight regain or severe reflux after a sleeve. The surgeon chooses the type of conversion based on the stomach, intestines and test results.
Is revision surgery harder than the first operation?
Usually yes, because adhesions and changes from the previous surgery make it longer and more complex, as in Somaya’s case, which took about 4 hours. Choosing a surgeon experienced in revision bariatric surgery is recommended.
Do I need vitamins after gastric bypass, and when can I get pregnant?
Yes, lifelong vitamins and minerals with regular blood tests are required after gastric bypass, and pregnancy should be postponed 12 to 18 months after surgery until weight stabilizes, in coordination with the doctor and dietitian.
