Obese individuals may opt for gastric sleeve weight-loss surgery as a means of shedding excess weight quickly.
This type of surgery, referred to as bariatric surgery, can be performed in various ways, all of which are effective. The procedures involve stomach shrinkage or restricted food intake, which generates a feeling of satiety, preventing individuals from consuming excess food. This reduced calorie intake results in automatic burning of stored fat, leading to significant weight loss.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, which is one type of weight-loss surgery, involves the surgical removal of 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped organ about the size of a banana. This procedure enables the patient to consume less food, leading to significant weight loss.
For gastric sleeve surgery, the patient must have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40. Candidates with a BMI of 35 or more and obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may also be suitable.
The Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia.
The surgeon will create several small incisions in the abdomen and insert a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light attached to it. The camera will display images of the stomach on a monitor in the operating room, allowing the surgeon to view the surgery in detail. The surgeon will then remove a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped organ about the size of a banana. The remaining portion of the stomach is sealed with staples or sutures.
The surgery takes about one to two hours to complete.
Before undergoing Gastric Sleeve Surgery, patients will receive pre-operative care instructions from their surgeon. This may include specific dietary guidelines for several weeks or a liquid diet for a few days before the procedure.
Patients may also need to stop taking certain medications or supplements that could increase their risk of bleeding during surgery.
Additionally, patients will need to undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are in good health for surgery.
Following these pre-operative care instructions can help ensure a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
Patients will typically stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor their recovery and receive pain management medications. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
Following discharge from the hospital, patients will need to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen to aid in the healing process and promote weight loss. Initially, patients will need to consume only clear liquids and gradually progress to soft foods, and eventually solid foods over the course of several weeks.
Patients will need to avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods and eat small, frequent meals to avoid overeating or stretching the stomach. Regular exercise will also be essential in promoting weight loss and maintaining muscle strength.
Some of the most common risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Patients may also experience stomach leaks, where digestive juices leak through the staples or sutures in the stomach. Additionally, some patients may experience postoperative complications such as dumping syndrome, acid reflux, and malnutrition due to their reduced ability to absorb nutrients.
Long-term complications may also arise, including gastrointestinal obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and weight regain.
It is important to discuss possible complications with your surgeon before surgery. The risk of complications can be reduced by proper post-operative care and follow-up.