One of the most well-known and successful bariatric operations for those battling obesity is gastric sleeve surgery, often known as sleeve gastrectomy. In this surgical procedure, a considerable amount of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a much smaller tube, or “sleeve.” Patients experience rapid weight loss due to reduced meal intake and increased fullness from the reduced stomach size.
People who are overweight and suffer from obesity-related health issues including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea are good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery, as are those with a BMI of 40 or higher. Because it does not require rerouting the intestines or introducing foreign items, the gastric sleeve is a less invasive and more risk-free weight loss surgery.
But the procedure calls for a great deal of skill to get the best possible outcomes with the fewest possible complications. From the first consultation all the way to post-operative follow-up, a gastric sleeve surgery expert can provide cutting-edge care and individualized treatment programs.
Gastric sleeve surgery specialists play an important role.
A bariatric surgeon who has specialized in gastric sleeve surgery has undergone substantial training to do this operation. The specialist’s involvement with the patient starts well in advance of the procedure and persists all through the weight loss process. As part of their all-encompassing care, they assess the patient’s surgical suitability, educate them on what to expect throughout the process, execute the surgery with precision, and provide ongoing support after the operation.
The specialist checks the patient’s vitals, medical history, and weight loss efforts from the past during the first appointment. Before deciding to proceed with surgery, they check for preexisting diseases that could affect the outcome, such as diabetes or heart disease. The patient’s mental health and preparedness for the substantial lifestyle adjustments that bariatric surgery entails are crucial for the long-term effectiveness of the procedure, making psychological evaluation a vital component of the surgical process.
Explanation of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
In gastric sleeve surgery, a tiny, banana-shaped stomach, or “sleeve,” is created by removing about 75 to 80% of the stomach. This lowers the body’s synthesis of the hunger hormone ghrelin and significantly limits the amount of food that may be taken at once. Patients lose weight in the long run because they eat less and have less hunger.
Usually, laparoscopic procedures, which are less intrusive, are used to carry out the surgery. Surgeons remove the stomach section by making small incisions in the belly and using specialized equipment and a camera. When contrasted with open surgery, laparoscopic procedures lessen the likelihood of infection, scarring, and recovery time. In most cases, the full process takes around an hour and a half.
A major benefit of gastric sleeve surgery is that it does not interfere with the regular digestive process. This means that food continues to flow through the digestive tract in the same manner as before the procedure. A significant problem with other bariatric procedures, like as gastric bypass, is nutrient malabsorption; this procedure lessens that risk.
Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery and Making Changes to Your Daily Routine
Most patients only need a one- or two-day hospital stay after gastric sleeve surgery, and they may get back to their regular routines in two to four weeks. But making changes to your food and way of life is the key to losing weight and keeping it off for good.
Patients must adhere to a liquid diet immediately following surgery. After a few weeks, they may start eating pureed and then solid foods. If you want to keep problems like nausea and vomiting or stretching of the new stomach at bay, cutting back on calories and fat is a must. In addition, patients should eat slowly and chew their food completely to make sure it goes easily through their smaller stomach.
One of the most important things to do after surgery is to exercise. Patients can enhance their cardiovascular health, shed excess pounds, and keep their muscle mass with a consistent exercise program. In order to help patients achieve their weight loss and health objectives, specialists frequently collaborate with nutritionists and exercise experts to develop individualized programs.
To avoid deficiencies, patients need to make changes to their diet and exercise routines and also take vitamin and mineral supplements. Since nutritional absorption may be affected by the smaller stomach, common supplements include vitamin D, calcium, iron, and B12. The specialist can better track your progress, make any necessary adjustments to your eating plan, and answer any questions or concerns that may come up during your recuperation if you schedule regular follow-up appointments.
Perks and Dangers of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
There is no shortage of positive outcomes from gastric sleeve surgery. Half to three quarters of a patient’s extra weight should be gone in the first 18 to 24 months after surgery. Conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, which are brought on by obesity, typically go away or become better after this weight loss. Enhanced vitality, mobility, and quality of life are other benefits reported by many patients.
In comparison to other bariatric procedures, the risks of long-term consequences are typically lower with this surgery since it does not entail rerouting the intestines or inserting devices. There is less chance of vitamin inadequacies due to the digestive tract staying intact and the fact that there is no foreign object, like a gastric band, to cause erosion or slippage.
Conclusion
If you want to lose a lot of weight and keep it off, gastric sleeve surgery is a great choice. Patients can get the specialized attention they need to lose weight safely and effectively under the supervision of gastric sleeve surgery specialists. Specialists play an essential role in ensuring that each patient’s operation is customized to their specific needs, from conducting pre-operative assessments to providing post-operative support.
