Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a form of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), a new and innovative method which offers less pain, less scarring and faster recovery time. Gastric sleeve surgery removes 80 percent of the stomach and leaves a new tubular pouch that can hold a smaller volume than the old one. This procedure leads to a reduction of the amount of food and calories you are able to consume. Gut hormones are also affected, which leads to an impact on your blood sugar control, satiety and hunger.

Similar to gastric bypass, gastric sleeve surgery is effective in terms of weight loss and improving type 2 diabetes. However, unlike gastric bypass, gastric sleeve surgery is considered less invasive. Intestines do not have to be rearranged. While lap banding requires a permanent device to be implanted, gastric sleeve surgery is safer in the long run and is better at controlling long-term hunger.

Gastric sleeve surgery offers the following benefits:

• Resolves conditions related to obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
• Provides long-term weight loss
• Causes the patient to lose up to 75 percent of excess weight  
• Limits the amount of food the stomach can hold, which means the patient feels less hungry and feels full sooner after meals.
• Requires no bypass of the food stream,such as Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
• Short hospital recovery stay

By undergoing this surgery, obese patients might also need less medications as a result.

It is important for patients to consult a doctor before making a decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery. Understanding all the risks and benefits of the procedure is imperative. Talk to the doctor in detail about the realistic amount of weight you can expect to lose.

Gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed on patients who are severely obese. Obesity is especially dangerous to one’s health due to conditions which can accompany it –  stroke, GERD, damage to bones or joints, respiratory disorders, diabetes and cancer.

Surgery should be considered in the following circumstances:

• The patient’s body mass index is above 30 and accompanied by conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol
• The patient’s body mass index is above 35 and accompanied by conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol
• The patient’s body mass index is above 40 and they have not responded to medications, exercise or diet. You can measure your BMI here: https://asmbs.org/patients/bmi-calculator.

When considering gastric sleeve surgery, be prepared to make lifelong changes in diet and exercise after the surgery. Maintaining a healthier weight after the procedure is a significant part of the treatment.

You should consult with your personal doctor in detail before undergoing the surgery.  In some cases, meeting with mental health counselors and dietitians can also be beneficial.

Preparation for gastric sleeve surgery includes:

• Learning to deal with stress and other emotional factors which can affect your weight or compel you to eat more than is healthy
• Receiving information from a nutritionist on what to eat and how much you can eat after the surgery. Preparation of a diet which can keep your caloric intake in check.
• Undergo other necessary tests, exercise programs or weight loss programs, as advised by your doctor.

Complications which can occur during weight loss surgery are:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blockage or leakage

These complications occur rarely, but if they do, the doctor might need to perform another surgery to correct them.

After surgery, you are required to stay in the hospital for three to four days. Someone must drive you home, especially if you are on pain medication. Here are some actions for you to take after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery:

• Eat small meals, but do not skip any
• Eat and drink what the doctor and dietitian have instructed
• Begin exercising as soon as your doctor says it is allowed
• Chew your food carefully and slowly
• Stop eating when full
• Drink water thirty minutes before or after eating
• Keep track of how many calories you consume each day
• Avoid fatty and sugary foods
• Get at least eight hours of sleep per night
• Take vitamins, as instructed

Undergoing surgery and weight loss can be an emotional time; therefore, it is important to have the support of friends and family.  Seeking help from a mental health specialist is also recommended. Your doctor will arrange to meet with you on a regular basis to monitor your diet, weight, and overall health. Do not hesitate to inform your doctor of any concerns you might have.