Sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve surgery, is among the most popular bariatric procedures. Its primary function is to facilitate weight loss by decreasing abdominal circumference in people who suffer from obesity. The procedure’s success in encouraging substantial weight loss and ameliorating health problems associated with obesity has contributed to its rising popularity.
But, there are dangers and adjustments to one’s way of life that need to be made for the rest of one’s life, just like with any major surgery. This article will go over everything you need to know about gastric sleeve surgery, from the procedure’s advantages and hazards to what to anticipate before and after the operation.
What exactly is gastric sleeve surgery?
One method of bariatric surgery is gastric sleeve, which involves the removal of about 80% of the stomach and its replacement with a small tube. Because your stomach is smaller, you can eat less because you feel full faster and consume less overall. Gastric sleeve surgery is less complicated and carries a lower risk of complications than gastric bypass surgery since it does not involve rerouting the intestines.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Advantages
Helping people lose a lot of weight and keep it off is one of the key benefits of gastric sleeve surgery. Within a year following surgery, most patients shed between fifty and seventy percent of their excess weight. Many positive health outcomes may result from this, such as:
Enhanced or cured type 2 diabetes: Following surgery, many patients report better control of their blood sugar levels, and a small percentage may even find that they no longer require medication for their diabetes.
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke: Gastric sleeve surgery can reduce excess fat, which in turn lowers blood pressure, lowering the risk of these conditions.
Enhanced cardiovascular well-being: Patients frequently experience a decrease in the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks due to improved cholesterol levels.
The symptoms of sleep apnea: can be reduced or eliminated with weight loss, leading to better sleep and increased energy levels.
Easier movement and participation in physical activities: Reducing body fat reduces stress on the joints, which in turn improves mobility and overall quality of life. Improvements in mental health, such as increased self-esteem and decreased depressive symptoms, are also common among patients.
Dangers and Difficulties
Although gastric sleeve surgery offers numerous advantages, one must be aware of the possible dangers and difficulties that may arise. The following are examples of typical dangers:
Nutritional deficiencies: Patients need to be careful about what they eat because their stomachs are so much smaller. To make sure they don’t fall short on essential nutrients, such calcium, iron, and vitamin B12, they might have to take vitamin and mineral supplements.
For individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It is possible that acid reflux symptoms may worsen following surgery.
Regain of weight: While the majority of patients do lose a significant amount of weight, some may put it all back on again if they don’t stick to their new eating and activity routine.
Complications from the surgery: Bleeding, infection, and problems with the anesthesia are risks that might arise with every surgical procedure.
What to Expect During the Surgery Process
One to two hours is the usual time frame for gastric sleeve surgery. The majority of patients are taken through the process by laparoscopic methods, which entail creating tiny cuts in the belly to accommodate a surgical camera and instruments. When compared to conventional open surgery, this less intrusive method results in a quicker recovery with less postoperative discomfort.
In most cases, patients are asked to adhere to a pre-operative diet in order to decrease the size of their liver and lessen the likelihood of complications during the operation. Before surgery, patients are typically instructed to have a low-calorie, high-protein liquid diet for a week or two.
The typical length of stay for a patient following surgery is between one and three days. Their progress to a liquid diet is carefully monitored during this period to make sure they don’t have any problems.
Adapting Your Lifestyle for the Long Term
The usual time required for recovery after gastric sleeve surgery is four to six weeks. The healing process and the prevention of blood clots can be accelerated if patients get exercising and walking around as soon as feasible following surgery. But for a few weeks, you shouldn’t do anything too taxing.
In order to have long-term success following gastric sleeve surgery, it is essential to make permanent modifications to one’s lifestyle. Among these are:
Dietary adjustments: Following surgery, patients are required to adhere to a meticulously planned diet, which includes a gradual progression from liquids to soft foods and finally solids. To prevent overeating, it is advised to consume small, frequent meals. If you want to keep the weight off, you should cut out the sugary, fatty, and calorie-dense foods.
Exercise Regularly: In order to keep the weight loss and improve your health in general, it is essential that you exercise regularly. Patients should make exercise a regular part of their lives, beginning with mild activities like walking and building up to more strenuous ones as they feel better.
Continuous follow-up care: It is crucial to have regular appointments with the bariatric surgeon and nutritionist to check in on your progress, resolve any issues, and make sure your nutritional requirements are being satisfied.
Conclusion
People who are battling extreme obesity and all the health problems that come with it have a great choice in gastric sleeve surgery. It has several advantages, including as helping people lose a lot of weight, improve their health, and generally live healthier lives.
On the other hand, you’ll need to commit to living a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life and there are dangers associated with the treatment. After gastric sleeve surgery, patients can achieve long-term success and live healthier, more happy lives by carefully working with their healthcare team and making the required lifestyle modifications.
Sandy