What Is Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy (Stomach Reduction)?
A Gastric Sleeve, (stomach reduction) is a surgical procedure that aims to assist weight loss where following a healthy diet and exercise hasn’t proved satisfactory results. The procedure involves reducing the amount of food stored by the stomach via surgical methods. A stomach reduction, also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy, is performed laparoscopically (closed surgery) where approximately 80% of the stomach is irreversibly removed and the remaining part stays in the shape of a thin long tube.
With this method, the food intake of the stomach is restricted.
Opposite to incorrect beliefs, no foreign materials or tubes are inserted into the stomach during the procedure.The procedure was given this name as a result of the general shape of the stomach resembling a tube. Decreasing the size, the tube shaped stomach also has an effect on the hunger hormone. The surgery minimizes the patient’s desire for food.
Who Is Suitable For A Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy?
This operation is suitable for patients defined as Morbidly Obese (Body Mass Index of over 40) It also provides successful results for Type 2 diabetes with a body mass index of 35-40 and those who suffer from hypertension and sleep apnea due to excess weight.
A gastric sleeve is not an aesthetic surgical procedure, but rather a treatment method applied to patients with obesity, patients struggling to lose weight via alternative ways, and for patients advised by a clinic after observations.
How Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed?
A gastric sleeve is a procedure performed laparoscopically under general anesthesia. The stomach is accessed through approximately 0.5 cm incisions on the anterior wall of the abdomen. A calibration tube is inserted into the stomach inlet to ensure that the correct amount is removed. As the incisions are small, the scar on the skin surface is also minimized.
In the last stage of the surgery, the calibration tube inserted into the stomach entrance is removed and the stomach is then checked for leaks. As the operation is performed as a closed method, there are no incisions on the abdominal muscles and membrane. With this procedure, patients experience not only weight loss but also loss of appetite. If the patient follows the diet and lifestyle recommended by the doctor, it’s possible to get a great result in about a year.
Recovery Process After Stomach Reduction Surgery
Normally a lengthy recovery duration, technology utilized for this procedure ensures that patients recover in a shorter period. With a closed gastric sleeve surgery, the patient only needs to be under observation for 2-3 days, unless the patient has any serious health problems.
It may take approximately 4-6 weeks for the stomach to fully recover after the procedure. During this time, it is important for patients to follow all recommendations in order to obtain successful results from the surgery.
The diet program provided bythe doctor must strictly be followed, otherwise it can become almost impossible for patients to lose weight at the speed they expect. Feelings of being full can also decrease by causing the stomach to expand. Therefore it is very important to follow the doctors recommended process and diet after gastric sleeve surgery.
Benefits Of A Stomach Reduction Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, which is also known as obesity surgery that’s applied on many patients today, has many benefits that individuals are curious about.
A gastric sleeve helps patients who are struggling to lose weight and opens the doors to a healthier life. A few other advantages are as follows;
- It’s possible to reach the desired weight within an average of a year and to have a healthier life.
- The procedure does not involve the insertion of any foreign materials into the body.
- The closed surgery approach has fewer scars and incisions after surgery.
- By removing a large part of the stomach, patients are able to feel full faster and eating capacity is reduced.
- The natural order of digestion is not affected after the surgical procedure.
- With the removal of the ghrelin hormone, the desire to eat is minimized.
Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy FAQ’s
What to look out for after a gastric sleeve surgery?
What to look out for after a gastric sleeve surgery?
Patients should pay attention to the following points after a gastric sleeve surgery;
Sweets and fatty foods should be avoided.
Carbonated and acidic drinks should be removed from the diet.
Excessive consumption of hot and spicy foods should be limited.
The temperature of the drinks consumed should be adjusted correctly.
It is recommended to stop smoking and the use of alcohol.
What does a diet after a gastric sleeve operation look like?
What does a diet after a gastric sleeve operation look like?
Although this situation is patient-specific, there are sample diets explained to people who are interested in undergoing sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
For example, for the first week after surgery, patients should only consume liquid meals. In the following weeks, unseasoned, fat-free soups are allowed to be consumed. Patients who start consuming puree after the second week are only allowed to consume solid food after the first month. Paying attention to these processes is extremely important to achieve the desired results.
Should I exercise after sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
Should I exercise after sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
Patients who couldn't achieve results by exercise in the fight against obesity are also expected to exercise after the surgery. However, it is advised for patients to have plenty of rest immediately after the surgery. Light exercise and walking can be commenced 2 weeks after the surgery. It is recommended to avoid weight lifting and strenuous movements for 6 months.
Is weight gain possible after a gastric sleeve procedure?
Is weight gain possible after a gastric sleeve procedure?
Yes. It is possible to regain weight after the gastric sleeve procedure. It has been observed that patients can gain weight if they do not follow the diet and exercise program given after surgery. In particular, the feeling of fullness that is achieved quite quickly, may disappear in a short time in patients who cannot resist food. Patients are advised to follow the doctor's recommendations in order to avoid such issues.
