Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of bariatric surgery that aims to reduce weight. The operation is usually performed laparoscopically, thus being less invasive with a shorter recovery time. During gastric sleeve surgery, about 80% of the stomach is removed, making the patient's stomach appear like a sleeve.
This surgical treatment has a number of advantages, among which the following can be emphasized:
- the size of the patient’s stomach decreases reducing food intake capacity,
- patients also experience hormonal changes, resulting in loss of excess weight,
- due to hormonal changes, remission of other diseases associated with excess weight, such as high blood pressure or diseases of the cardiovascular system occurs.
Sleeve gastrectomy is performed to help patients lose weight and reduce the risk of other potentially life-threatening diseases associated with being overweight, including:
- cardiovascular diseases,
- high blood pressure,
- high cholesterol levels,
- sleep apnea syndrome,
- type 2 diabetes mellitus,
- oncological diseases,
- infertility.
Sleeve gastrectomy is usually performed on patients who have not achieved desired weight loss with dieting or exercise.
Draining is recommended for patients:
- who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more,
- who have a body mass index between 35 and 39.9 combined with serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea,
- who qualify for certain types of weight loss surgery because their BMI is between 30 and 34 and they have serious health problems associated with being overweight,
- who are aged between 18 to 60 years old and are not suffering from psychological disorders.
The operation is impossible in the following situations:
- the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding,
- the patient has exacerbated infectious or chronic diseases,
- the patient is diagnosed with viral diseases.
Patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy should be ready to change their previous lifestyles and make appropriate changes, start eating right, and exercising. Also, patients need to be consulted and supervised by a doctor, who will monitor their health.
Sleeve Gastrectomy - What Else Do You Need to Know?
Like any surgical procedure, sleeve gastrectomy is associated with certain risks and complications, for example:
- (heavy) bleeding,
- infectious diseases,
- individual reactions to anesthesia,
- gastrointestinal obstruction,
- hernia,
- gastroesophageal reflux
- low blood sugar,
- vomiting,
- problems with lungs and breathing, etc.
A few weeks before surgery, patients are usually required to begin an activity program and quit smoking. Surgeons perform sleeve gastrectomy procedures in a hospital setting; patients will usually stay in the clinic for one to two nights following the surgery.
In most cases, the operation is performed laparoscopically, although in individual situations surgeons may decide to perform the gastroplasty using the traditional method.
Patients will receive a general anesthetic and the operation will take one to two hours. After the operation, patients will be monitored in the recovery room by staff in order to avoid possible postoperative complications.
After the operation patients will be required to consume liquid sugar-free food for the first seven days. Over the next three weeks, patients gradually switch to a soft diet, and approximately one month after the operation patients are allowed to consume regular food again. Depending on the clinic and treatment protocol, patients may need to take multivitamin and calcium supplements, as well as vitamin B12 throughout the rest of their lives.
In the first three to six months after surgery, patients will adapt to the new situation, and may experience the body's usual responses to rapid weight loss, for example:
- body aches,
- fatigue,
- feeling of being cold,
- dry skin,
- mood changes,
- hair loss.
With sleeve gastrectomy, patients can achieve significant excess weight loss. However, it should be emphasized that the amount of kilos that will eventually be lost depends solely on the patient. Patients should observe a healthy diet involving proper nutrition, stop overeating and indulging in bad habits, and lead an active lifestyle. Within two years after surgery, patients usually lose about 60% or more of their excess weight.
After the operation patients' quality of life significantly improves; they perform their daily activities more freely and with greater efficiency.
Patients who decide to resort to surgical treatment to solve obesity issues should understand that they may not lose weight; in fact, they will invariably gain excess weight if they do not follow the prescribed recommendations for lifestyle changes. For example, if they are unable to avoid eating frequent high-calorie snacks, they won't be able to noticeably lose weight. To avoid returning to the previous body weight, patients must maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly.
After bariatric surgery, it is important for patients to follow all scheduled follow-up visits with their doctor so that he/she can monitor their results. If you notice that you are not losing weight or you develop complications after surgery, consult your doctor immediately.
Sleeve Gastrectomy - FAQ
Is sleeve gastrectomy safe?
Sleeve resection is considered a relatively safe procedure. However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications.
How much weight can you lose after surgery?
During the first month after surgery, patients can lose an average of 13 kg. After three months patients can lose up to 30% of their excess weight, and within the next six months - up to 50% of their excess weight.
What are the pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery?
The advantages include the following: more than 60% of patients experience remission of diabetes mellitus and usually lose 50% of their excess weight.
The disadvantages are as follows: the operation is irreversible and patients will need to take vitamin and mineral complexes in order to avoid health problems.
What are the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy is an irreversible procedure but can lead to positive results in obese patients who have been unsuccessful at losing weight in the past with other methods. Overall, this surgery is considered safe compared to other popular bariatric surgeries.
Can I drink alcohol after surgery?
Each patient should decide whether or not to drink alcohol after surgery as long as it is consumed moderately and carefully. After completing the initial recovery period and after consulting a physician, patients should be allowed to return to moderate and responsible drinking.
What products are prohibited in the period directly after this procedure?
After undergoing gastroplasty patients are advised to avoid the following foods: carbonated drinks, raw vegetables, fried and spicy foods. However, it should be remembered that the situation of each patient is unique, and the list of prohibited and permitted foods should be established by a doctor who has a complete history of your illness.
When can I start eating regular food after surgery?
The situation of each patient depends on many factors, and it is the doctor who can recommend the most optimal diet plan including a strategy for the reintroduction of regular meals. Typically six weeks after surgery, patients can start eating regular foods again. Patients are advised to follow a correct and balanced diet, with small intervals between meals. The number of calories consumed should be between 1000 and 1200 kcal per day.
If you are considering sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss and would like to receive additional information and price points based on your situation, please contact us and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.