Overview:
Gastric sleeve surgery which is also known as sleeve gastrectomy is basically a weight loss surgery procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is removed, and a smaller “sleeve” shaped stomach is left behind. This small size stomach can hold less food, which makes an individual fullest quick while eating a little amount of food, and ultimately less food intake results in weight loss.
Gastric sleeve surgery is typically performed laparoscopically and is often used as a first step in a multi-stage weight loss surgery plan. Gastric sleeve surgery is not reversible, so it is often considered for people with a BMI of 40 or above or those with a BMI of 35 or higher and at least one with obesity-related health conditions.
Gastric sleeve surgery restricts the stomach capacity by cutting it small so hormonal changes occur which may also help to reduce weight and saved one from multiple overweight-related medical conditions.
Why Gastric sleeve surgy is needed?
Gastric sleeve surgery is used to help you lose weight instantly and faster almost 80% of stomach size is cut therefore it reduces the urge to eat more and results in weight loss and reduces the potential risks of many diseases related to obesity which are including:
Obstructive sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Stroke
Cancer
Infertility
Heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Gastric sleeve surgery is typically done when you have tried all the weight loss methods and failed to lose excess weight then it is the first step towards the fast weight loss method.
Gastric sleeve surgery is an option for you when?
Gastric sleeve surgery is generally an option for you if have
Body mass index of 40 or higher than it which is considered extreme obesity.
Body mass index of 35 to 39 (obesity) and besides obesity you have serious medical conditions obesity-related such as heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, blood pressure, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.
NOTE:
Before going for a gastric sleeve surgery it is important to know that it is an irreversible surgery process to change your lifestyle, therefore you must be aware of the permanent changes. You may need to follow a long-term plan after the surgery, nutrition and diet plans are included
weight lose
How much weight you could lose with the gastric sleeve?
The average weight loss ranges between 25% to 30 % of your body weight in the first one to two years after gastric sleeve surgery. For example, if you have a weight of 300 lbs before surgery, you’d lose 100 lbs after the surgery in the first 1-2 years. You might lose more or less than that also, depending on the lifestyle changes and habits you adopt after the surgery procedure. Some people even regain some weight instead of losing weight, but the overall average weight loss is 25% to 30% of your body weight which is consistent over five years.
This is a permanent and accurate solution for obese people to lose weight naturally through gastric sleeve surgery with the restriction of stomach intake capacity. People with a BMI of 40 or higher are more likely to get good results after the surgery if they fully follow the instructions and follow-up plans after the surgery prescribed by their surgeon.
How to prepare for the surgery?
Preparing for a gastric sleeve surgery may require lifestyle changes, medical evaluation, and psychological preparation.
Medical evaluations: You may need to go for a series of medical evaluations to ensure that you are a good candidate for gastric sleek surgery and to identify any potential risks or health complications. This may include blood tests, a barium swallow test, and a psychological evaluation or assessment test as well.
Lifestyle changes: Your Doctor may ask you about lifestyle changes before surgery such as quitting smoking, quit or reduce to no alcohol consumption, healthy diet, etc
Psychological preparation: You may need to undergo a series of psychological evaluation tests to prepare yourself for the follow-up plans and the life changes and adaptations that may be needed after the surgery.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions before the surgery, such as fasting, not taking certain medications which are risky before surgery, and preparing your home essentials for post-surgery recovery.
It’s important to follow all the instructions of the surgeon and the weight loss team carefully for the best outcome results.
What could be the possible risks of gastric sleeve surgery?
Like all major surgeries, Gastric sleek surgery has some potential risks as well.
Risk factors associated with gastric sleeve surgery, include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia. Furthermore, there is a risk of the sleeve becoming stretched or enlarged over time, which can lead to weight gain again and can be less effective. Other potential complications include leaks and pus development at the surgical site, gastric obstruction, and changes in gut hormones which can lead to nutrient deficiencies respectively. It is important to have a thorough evaluation and assessment by a qualified healthcare professional or your GP to determine if the surgery is right for you and to identify any potential risks.
Risks factors and side issues associated with sleeve gastrectomy can include:
Excessive bleeding
Infection
Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Blood clots
Lung or breathing problems
Leakage from the cut edges of the stomach might be a complication
Some long-term risk factors are also there associated with the gastric sleeve surgery
some of them are enlisted as follows:
Gastrointestinal obstruction
Hernias
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Malnutrition (Diet insufficiency)
Vomiting and nausea,
Gastroesophageal reflux: People who had acid reflux prior to the operation feel that it gets worse after the surgery procedure, and people who didn’t have it prior might develop it later. This can often be treated with certain medications.
Gallstones: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstone development more likely. It causes plenty of fat to process through your liver, which can slowly build up in your gallbladder as cholesterol stones and cause pain after eating any food. You may need to go for another surgery to remove your gallbladder which is known as cholecystectomy.
it is very rare, that complications of sleeve gastrectomy can be fatal otherwise patients having gastric sleeve surgery get 100% results.
gastric sleeve surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery Procedure:
Gastric sleeve surgery, that is also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss surgery that refers to removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller “sleeve” shaped stomach behind. The procedure is performed or done laparoscopically, which means that small incisions are made in the abdomen and small tubes and a camera are inserted for the visual guide.
The major portion of the stomach is cut in the surgery and stitching is done after the complete procedure. Gastric sleeve surgery typically takes 1-2 hours to complete and general anesthesia is used to make the patient unconscious and sleeping while the surgery is done under general anesthesia. Recovery time can vary depending on the individual health score but most people are able to return to work and normal activities within approximately 2-4 weeks.
Follow-up plan After the procedure
After gastric sleeve gastrectomy, your diet begins with sugar-free, noncarbonated liquids for the first week, then after that, you may be shifted towards pureed food for three weeks, and finally, you will be fully allowed to use your regular food four weeks after the surgery.
You have to pay visits regularly each month or sometimes each week to a healthcare provider to monitor your progress after the surgery and any weight loss complications. You may need to go through laboratory testing, bloodwork, and various exams.
Some prominent changes you can see after the gastric sleeve surgery as your body responds to the gut hormones and diet intake you may see the changes which include:
Body aches
Feeling tired and lethargic, as if you have the running flu
Feeling cold
Dry skin
Hair thinning and hair loss
Mood changes
When and why gastric sleeve surgery fails:
Gastric sleeve surgery, like any other weight loss surgery, can fail for a variety of reasons. Some of the main reasons why gastric sleeve surgery may fail include:
Lack of follow-up diet and exercise recommendations: After surgery, patients typically need to follow a strict diet plan and exercise regimen to assist in weight loss. If they do not follow these guidelines and prescriptions provided by their surgeon, they may not see the desired weight loss results output.
Failure to make lifestyle changes: Gastric sleeve surgery is not a quick method with a blink and requires patients to make long-term lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss progress gradually. If they do not make these changes, they may regain their weight instead of loss.
Gastric sleeve surgery is not suitable for everyone and may not be effective enough in some patients, such as those with certain underlying medical conditions or those who have had previous weight loss surgeries and methods.
Sleeve dilation, which happens when the stomach stretches enough and becomes larger over time, can also lead to weight regain as it makes room for more food intake again.
Nutritional deficiencies are also possible, as the surgery removes a major portion of the stomach and restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. This can lead to deficiencies in different vitamins and minerals if the patient does not supplement with multivitamins and calcium tabs.
Psychological issues such as binge eating disorder, depression, stress, or other mental health conditions can also lead to weight loss failure and results in regain even after gastric sleeve surgery.
It’s important to consult with a bariatric surgeon and a dietitian to understand if the gastric sleeve surgery or gasterectomy is the right choice for you and to understand the long-term commitment and follow-up plans that are required for success after the surgery.
What you should avoid after gastric sleeve surgery?
After gastric surgery, it is important to avoid the following for the best outcomes:
Solid foods: for the first few weeks, as the stomach needs time to heal.
Carbonated beverages: as they can cause discomfort and bloat.
High-fat foods: can slow down digestion and cause stomach discomfort.
Sugary foods and drinks: they can spike blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain.
Caffeine: it can cause dehydration and disrupt sleep.
Alcohol: it can interfere with nutrient absorption and slow down the healing process.
Chewing gum: it can cause the stomach to stretch and delay healing.
Lying down or reclining for at least 30-60 minutes after eating.
Eating too quickly: can cause discomfort and lead to overeating.
Not getting enough protein and nutrient-dense foods in your diet.
It’s also important to follow any specific dietary instructions provided by your surgeon and general physician, as well as get enough water, exercise, and sleep to heal doo ner and for good outcomes.
Conclusion
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a great weight loss procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the stomach to restrict the amount of food intake and promote excess weight loss as a result of less food consumption. It is an invasive procedure that is performed laparoscopically. Recovery time is generally faster compared to other weight loss surgeries, methods, and supplements. Patients can expect to lose between 50-70% of their actual excess weight.
This surgery is considered safe and effective with good results for individuals who have a BMI of 40 or more, or for those with a BMI of 35-39 or more with obesity health problems. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are always some potential risks and complications that should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider or a required surgeon prior to making a decision.