Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery
What You Need to Know About Gastric Sleeve Surgery for Weight Loss
One way to combat obesity is bariatric surgery. In this type of surgery, the stomach is removed or reduced. Bariatric surgery usually results in rapid weight loss.
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of several types of bariatric surgery. Doctors commonly call it a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. In this article, we take a closer look at what is associated with gastric sleeve surgery, including its efficacy and possible complications.
What does gastric sleeve surgery involve?
Gastric sleeve surgery is most often performed minimally invasively using a laparoscope. This means that a long, thin tube is inserted into the abdomen through several small incisions. Attached to this tube are lights and a small camera, as well as various equipment. Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia results in very deep sleep and requires a ventilator for breathing during surgery.
During surgery, the stomach is divided into two unequal parts. About 80% of the outer curvature of the stomach is cut away and removed.
Staple or sew the remaining 20% edges. This creates a banana-shaped stomach that is only about 25% of its original size. I was in the operating room for about an hour. After surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room for post-operative care. You will spend about an hour in the recovery room before waking up from anesthesia.
Small cuts to the abdomen usually heal quickly. The surgical procedure’s minimally invasive nature helps it recover faster than surgery that opens the abdomen with a larger incision. If there are no complications, you can leave the hospital 2-3 days after the operation.
Weight loss benefits
Losing a lot of extra pounds can improve your quality of life and make many daily activities easier.
Another important benefit of weight loss is a reduced risk of obesity-related diseases. These include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Who are the likely candidates for this operation?
Bariatric surgery of any kind, including gastric sleeve surgery, is only considered an option when vigorous attempts to improve diet and exercise habits and the use of weight-loss drugs have failed.
Nevertheless, certain criteria must be met to receive obesity treatment. These criteria are based on body mass index (BMI) and whether you have any health problems related to obesity.
Participation conditions:
- Extreme (morbid) obesity (BMI score >40)
- Obese (BMI score 35-39) with at least 1 significant obesity-related condition
In some cases, gastric sleeve surgery is performed when a person is overweight but does not meet the criteria for obesity but has significant weight-related health conditions.
How will my diet change after gastric sleeve surgery?
Before gastric sleeve surgery, you will usually need to agree to certain lifestyle changes recommended by your surgeon. These changes are designed to help you achieve and maintain weight loss. One of these changes is eating healthier for the rest of your life.
Your surgeon will recommend the best sleeve gastronomy for you before and after surgery. Dietary changes suggested by your surgeon may resemble the general dietary guidelines below.
Diet change
- Two weeks before surgery. Increase protein, reduce carbs, and eliminate sugar from your diet.
- Two days before surgery and the first week after surgery. Consume only clear, non-caffeinated, non-carbonated liquids.
- Next 3 weeks. You can add pureed foods to your diet.
You can usually eat a normal, healthy diet for about a month after surgery. You’ll find yourself eating less than you did before the treatment because you’ll feel full sooner and your hunger will go away.
A restricted or small diet can lead to deficiency symptoms. It’s important to balance this out by taking things like multivitamins, calcium supplements, and monthly B-12 shots as recommended by your surgeon.
