Gastric sleeve surgery is a big investment for your health and your quality of life. One of the more surprising, but extremely important, benefits of rapid weight loss is what it can do for your love life.
Being obese can impact sexual intercourse in many different ways. Many people are self conscious about their bodies and will avoid intercourse with their partners because of it. Obesity can negatively impact libido, as well.
Because of the sexual benefits, many patients ask when it’s safe to have sex after gastric sleeve. Here’s our answer.
How Long After Gastric Sleeve Can I Have Sex?
We recommend that patients wait at least one week after surgery before resuming sexual activity, however many patients will need to wait longer. The key is to allow the abdomen to heal before engaging in intercourse.
Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor when it’s safe to resume sexual intercourse! This is a common question that we get a lot, and there’s no reason to be embarrassed by it. We understand that your love life is a personal matter, but it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
Guidelines for Intercourse After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Choose more comfortable positions with less stress.
Some positions will be more conducive to post-op comfort than others. While we cannot guide you on this, as it’s your body and your preference, we do ask that you avoid putting pressure on your abdomen, avoid stretching your abdomen, and avoid positions that require a lot of effort on your part.
Talk to your partner about your insecurities and difficulties.
Your significant other is part of your weight loss journey, therefore they deserve to know what you’re feeling about having sex after surgery. You may be concerned about loose or sagging skin, or about your temporary inability to perform certain positions. Keep communication open, and make sure that you let them know what they should and shouldn’t do.
Birth control’s effectiveness may be lowered: use protection!
It’s true: rapid weight loss will change your hormones because of how estrogen interacts with fat. As a result, birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives may be less effective. If you’re not planning to have children, make sure to use protection!
To learn about which medications you shouldn’t take after gastric sleeve surgery, check out this article: What Medications Are Off Limits After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Discuss with your surgeon before you try to become pregnant.
On the topic of pregnancy, it’s generally recommended that gastric sleeve patients wait at least 12-18 months before trying to become pregnant. Pregnancy comes with many hormonal changes and significant weight gain, and it’s recommended that patients come down to a stable weight before getting pregnant. If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery, and are also planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about it.
Sexual Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Increased Testosterone in Men
Since obesity can result in lower testosterone levels, losing a lot of excess fat can help increase testosterone levels back to a normal baseline. We recommend men get their blood work done after weight loss to get an accurate read on their testosterone levels.
Increased Libido in Women
In a JAMA study of 106 female bariatric surgery patients, almost all of them experienced an increase in libido, lubrication, and sex drive. While the mechanisms are not fully understood, it’s thought that the hormonal changes coupled with an improved body image helped improve libido and sex drive.
Get Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico
If you’re looking for gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico, ALO Bariatrics has you covered. Getting gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico can reduce the total cost of surgery significantly, even when accounting for travel and hotel stays. Book a consultation with us today!
