How Do They Do Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
How Do They Do Gastric Sleeve Surgery? Gastric sleeve surgery is a widely recognized weight loss procedure that has gained prominence owing to its demonstrated effectiveness. It involves reducing the size of the stomach to limit food intake and promote weight loss. This surgical procedure is often considered by those struggling with obesity or related health conditions when other weight loss methods have not been successful.This article offers an informative overview of gastric sleeve surgery, delving into the procedure’s specifics, its benefits, and emphasizing its success rates and positive outcomes. The goal is to offer a thorough understanding of what to expect when considering gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss.
Procedure
Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours to complete. During the surgery, a portion of the stomach, approximately 75-80%, is removed leaving behind a thin vertical “sleeve” about the size of a banana.
The newly created gastric sleeve will hold less food which means patients will feel fuller sooner and therefore eat less. This reduces calorie intake and leads to weight loss. Additionally, this procedure removes the part of the stomach that produces the hormone Ghrelin, often referred to as the hunger hormone, which may contribute to weight loss by reducing feelings of hunger.
The gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed using a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopic surgery. In this technique, small incisions are made in the abdomen through which a laparoscope (a long narrow tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon then uses these tools to perform the surgery while viewing the inside of the abdomen on a video monitor.
This procedure permanently changes the size of your stomach but does not involve any bypass of the intestinal tract. It does not affect absorption of nutrients and vitamins in your body. As with any surgical procedure there are potential risks and complications, but these are generally rare and can be minimized by choosing an experienced bariatric surgeon and following their advice both before and after surgery.
While recovery times can vary depending on the individual patient and their general health status, most people can expect to stay in the hospital for two to three days following surgery. After discharge from the hospital, patients are typically advised to start with liquid diet and gradually transition to solid foods over several weeks. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are also crucial to monitor your progress and ensure successful weight loss.
Benefits
Gastric sleeve surgery offers a multitude of benefits, making it a highly sought-after solution for individuals struggling with obesity. One of the most significant advantages is substantial weight loss. Many patients experience rapid weight loss within the first six months post-surgery and continue to lose weight for up to two years after the procedure. The amount of weight loss can vary greatly among individuals but, on average, patients lose about 60% of their excess weight.
Alongside weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery often results in improvements to obesity-related health conditions. These conditions include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol. In many cases, these improvements are so that patients can reduce or even discontinue their medications for these conditions. Moreover, the surgery may also alleviate other physical discomforts associated with obesity
such as joint pain and shortness of breath.
The benefits of gastric sleeve surgery extend beyond physical health improvements. The procedure can also contribute to substantial enhancements in quality of life and psychological well-being. Many patients report increased self-esteem and improved mood post-surgery due to the positive changes in their physical appearance and health status. This can lead to an overall improved quality of life as they find themselves able to participate in activities that they may have previously avoided due to their weight.
Furthermore, because the procedure does not involve any rerouting of the digestive tract, patients do not experience the food intolerances or vitamin and mineral deficiencies commonly associated with other types of bariatric surgeries. This makes the post-operative dietary adjustments easier and more manageable compared to other surgical weight loss procedures.
Success Rate
When discussing the success of gastric sleeve surgery, it’s crucial to understand that success is measured not only by the amount of weight loss but also by improvements in obesity-related health conditions and overall quality of life. On these fronts, gastric sleeve surgery shows a high success rate. On average, patients lose about 60% of their excess weight within one to two years after the surgery. This substantial weight loss often leads to improvements in health conditions associated with obesity.
Gastric sleeve surgery has been shown to be particularly successful in improving or even resolving type 2 diabetes. In many cases, blood sugar levels normalize quickly after surgery, often before weight loss occurs. This quick response can lead to a reduction or discontinuation of diabetes medications. Similarly, other obesity-related conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol also show marked improvement following gastric sleeve surgery.
Another key measure of the success rate of the gastric sleeve procedure is its impact on patients’ quality of life. Many patients report improvements in their ability to perform routine daily activities and improved overall mental health. This can be attributed to both the physical improvements associated with weight loss and the positive psychological impact of achieving a healthier body weight and appearance.
In conclusion, gastric sleeve surgery demonstrates a high success rate when considering weight loss, improvement of obesity-related conditions, and enhancement in quality of life. However, like any surgical procedure, it’s not without risks and complications. Therefore, potential candidates should discuss all aspects of the procedure with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about whether this surgery is the right choice for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?
No, gastric sleeve surgery is not reversible. The procedure involves permanently removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller sleeve-like shape. Once this part of the stomach is removed, it cannot be reattached or reversed.
How long does it take to recover from gastric sleeve surgery?
Recovery times can vary, but most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for two to three days following surgery. It is common to experience some discomfort and pain in the days immediately after the procedure. Full recovery typically takes about four to six weeks, during which time patients gradually transition from a liquid diet to solid foods.
Will I need to follow a special diet after gastric sleeve surgery?
Yes, following gastric sleeve surgery, you will need to adhere to a special diet plan. In the initial stages, you will be on a liquid diet and gradually progress to pureed and soft foods before reintroducing solid foods. Your healthcare provider will provide specific guidelines and recommendations tailored to your individual needs.
