Are you searching for a safe and successful method to attain considerable weight loss? Gastric sleeve surgery could be the solution. This surgical weight loss procedure, called sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), eliminates about 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a tube-shaped pouch approximately the size of a banana. Gastric sleeve surgery has risen to be one of the most sought-after bariatric surgeries in recent years, empowering millions of people to take control of their obesity and improve their overall health. But what is this procedure all about? In short, it is a secure and successful approach to sustainable weight loss.
Most individuals who endure gastric sleeve surgery lose a remarkable amount of weight, which they are often capable of keeping off afterwards. To delve more into the details of this life-transforming treatment – from its rewards to probable risks – we have crafted this comprehensive blog post. So, if you are either thinking about having gastric sleeve surgery or just curious about it, carry on reading for all the necessary information.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is a type of weight loss operation which involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving only a small tube. This smaller organ has limited space, causing people to feel fuller faster and potentially aiding with reducing their weight. Additionally, the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin – which activates hunger – is also removed during this procedure.
Gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, where miniature incisions are made in the abdominal area and a camera is used to navigate. Through these incisions, a surgeon will take away most of the stomach using special gear. Finally, the remaining stomach will be stapled or sewn closed to form the small “sleeve.”
The gastric sleeve procedure is typically irreversible. Yet, if the patient doesn’t see the desired result with this type of surgery or encounters serious complications, it is possible to convert it into a different weight loss operation, such as gastric bypass surgery.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery for Weight Loss
If you’re considering having gastric sleeve surgery, it’s likely you want to know what advantages it can bring. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the primary weight-loss benefits of the procedure.
Gastric sleeve surgery is a powerful weight loss method. Research has demonstrated that those who get the procedure eliminate about 70% of their extra body weight within one year following their operation. For example, someone who measures 200 pounds and is carrying an additional 100 pounds can expect to lose 70 pounds in the year after their gastric sleeve procedure.
Gastric sleeve surgery has been proven to be a viable option for those looking to lose weight, as well as a method of improving overall health. Those who have this procedure often report an increase in their quality of life and decreased risk for medical issues associated with obesity, like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and joint pain.
Types of Gastric Sleeve Procedures and their Benefits
The two types of gastric sleeve surgery are traditional and mini. The former, which is the most common, involves making a large incision to remove part of the stomach and create a smaller pouch that limits food intake. With the latter, which is used when BMI is very high, only a small incision in the abdomen is needed.
Gastric sleeve surgery can offer a number of advantages, including weight loss due to restricting the amount of food consumed at one time. Additionally, it can reduce your vulnerability to health conditions related to obesity such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, there are potential quality of life improvements resulting from this procedure that include relief from joint pain and sleep apnea.
Preparation for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Getting ready for gastric sleeve surgery is very important to help reduce potential issues. A few things to consider prior to the procedure include:
- Quitting Smoking: Smoking can have an effect on the outcome of an operation. If you are currently engaging in this habit, it is important to stop at least 2 weeks before your scheduled surgery.
- Lose Weight: To ensure the best possible outcome, it is important for patients to be at a healthy weight prior to gastric sleeve surgery. If you are overweight or obese, your surgeon will likely recommend you lose some weight beforehand.
- Your surgeon will likely have you get some lab work and imaging (e.g., X-rays, CT scan) done prior to surgery. This is to assess any pre-existing health conditions that could make the surgical procedure or recovery more difficult.
- Before your procedure, you will meet with your surgeon a few times. During these sessions, you can ask any questions or get clarity on what to expect pre-surgery, during the operation, and after it’s done.
Recovery from Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The usual recovery period for a gastric sleeve procedure is quick and uneventful. Most people are good to go the day of or the day after surgery. Each patient experiences different times for healing, yet it’s still mostly quicker than other bariatric surgeries.
Most people experience tiredness and soreness for the initial days after surgery, typically requiring pain meds for alleviating any misery. It is essential to be cautious during convalescence while steering clear of strenuous activity; nevertheless, walking is highly recommended to stimulate healing and avert blood clots.
Most patients are able to return to their regular diet within a few weeks, while others may need to maintain a soft or liquid diet for a longer period. Your physician will provide guidance on diet and activity during recovery; it is essential to adhere to their instructions as gastric sleeve surgery is significant and your body needs adequate time to recover correctly.
Complications Associated with Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Patients undergoing gastric sleeve surgery are at risk for a few potential complications, such as:
If the stomach is not accurately sewn up, it can pose a serious risk of leak; in fact, this could be life-threatening. If present, a fistula refers to an abnormal connection between the stomach and another organ, such as the intestine. This can contribute to infection and other forms of issues.
Stomach acids can elicit sores or ulcers, due to their corrosive nature which can erode the stomach lining. Dumping syndrome is characterized by a rapid emptying of the stomach’s contents into the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and dizziness.
A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, which is the muscle that partitions the chest from the abdomen. This can lead to heartburn and other issues.
Alternatives to Gastric Sleeve Surgery
It is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of gastric sleeve surgery before making a decision. Keep reading to learn what this surgery entails, who it is suitable for, and what happens post-operation.
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a form of bariatric surgery that consists of removing three quarters of the stomach. The remaining part is shaped like a tube or “sleeve” and has more limited capacity, meaning it can hold less food and causes feelings of satiety much faster. In comparison to other bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass, this one is considered to be definitely less intrusive.
The surgeon begins by making a few incisions in the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope, a slender camera, to observe the stomach. Utilizing surgical instruments, they remove roughly 75% of the stomach and employ staples to shape a smaller “sleeve”. Before leaving the operating room, the medical staff will assess your new stomach’s performance.
solid foods.
Conclusion
Gastric sleeve surgery can be beneficial to those striving to shed weight and improve their health. With the right assistance and advisement, impressive outcomes can be achieved. Nonetheless, it must be noted that surgery is only a part of the journey—lifestyle modifications need to be made for lasting effects. Prior to making any important decisions regarding your health, it is essential to speak with your doctor so you are aware of all details and can determine what would fit with your unique situation.
FAQs
1. What is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a form of weight-loss surgical procedure that involves eliminating a substantial portion of the stomach. This makes the organ smaller, restricting how much food can be consumed in one sitting.
2. How does gastric sleeve surgery work?
The surgeon will remove a large section of the stomach, leaving only a smaller “sleeve” resembling the size and shape of a banana. This newly formed stomach has limited capacity and gives you a satiated feeling much quicker than normal.
3. Who is a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?
You could be a potential candidate for gastric sleeve surgery if you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35, and haven’t had any success losing weight through dieting or exercising. Post-surgery, you should plan to make long-term changes in your diet and lifestyle.
4. What are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery can carry potential complications, such as infection, erratic bleeding, or the formication of blood clots. Furthermore, it is possible for the smaller stomach to become dysfunctional or that certain foods cannot be tolerated after the procedure. Additionally, “dumping syndrome” has been reported in some patients.