Gastric sleeve surgery involves the surgical reduction of the stomach size by approximately 80% and transforming it into a tube- or sleeve-like structure.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most effective bariatric surgery and weight loss operation types. This procedure involves the surgical reduction of the stomach size by approximately 80% and transforming it into a tube- or sleeve-like structure.

The primary goal of gastric sleeve surgery is to limit food intake and promote satiety with smaller meals. If you are struggling with obesity and cannot lose weight with diet or exercise, you can consider having this surgery.

How Common is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most performed surgeries in the world. The reason why this surgery is so common is because it is effective, simple, and has a lower risk profile when compared to other types of bariatric surgery and weight loss operations.

Gastric sleeve is a surgery for weight loss, providing a dual impact of physical appetite reduction and hormonal changes. These impacts lead to sustainable weight management.

Who is the Right Candidate for the Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric sleeve candidates should fulfill the criteria listed below:

• You should have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 35 and 45. This range is optimal for gastric sleeve surgery, as it aims for a weight loss target of about 65 to 75% of excess body weight.
• If you are a person with a high risk for surgery, organ transplant, severe heart disease, or long-term conditions, you can be a good candidate for gastric sleeve.
• If you are a person who is more susceptible to vitamin deficiencies post-surgery, you are also prime candidates for gastric sleeve surgery.

Even though the surgery is less aggressive when compared to other weight loss surgeries, you are required to consume bariatric vitamins to mitigate the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Is Gastric Sleeve Safe?

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the safest and most effective solutions for patients with obesity and diabetes looking for weight loss options. The non surgical gastric sleeve offers minimal incisions and a lower complication rate compared to complex bariatric procedures.

Gastric sleeve surgery reduces stomach size without altering the digestive system. This reduction not only limits food intake but also decreases hunger-inducing hormones. Therefore, it facilitates weight loss with minimal impact on nutrient absorption.

Procedure Details for Gastric Sleeve Operation

Gastric sleeve surgery is a less complex procedure when compared to other weight loss operations, such as gastric bypass or band. You should note that gastric sleeve revision is not possible. If necessary, your surgeon may perform a gastric bypass. An overview of the surgery procedure is indicated as follows:

• You will be administered general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes several small incisions in the abdomen, which is also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
• The surgeon removes about 80% of your stomach, leaving a banana-shaped “sleeve” that limits food intake and reduces hunger-inducing hormones.
• The remaining stomach is closed using sutures or surgical staples. This newly formed stomach sleeve will hold significantly less food, which aids in weight loss.
• The sleeve gastrectomy recovery time is generally 4 to 6 weeks. However, after 24 hours, you can go back to your home and have a rest.

How Long does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Take?

Gastric sleeve surgery is relatively short compared to other complex surgeries. The surgery generally takes 90 minutes at most. However, according to your overall health, complications occurring during the procedure, the expertise of the surgeon, etc. may affect the procedure duration.

Aftercare of the Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery requires aftercare procedures instructed by your surgeon. According to your specific needs, your surgeon will share a detailed aftercare plan. General points for the aftercare can be summarized as follows:

• You will follow a phased diet, starting with liquids, then pureed foods, and gradually transitioning to solid foods.
• You will take the prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements.
• You will incorporate a regular exercise routine that is advised by your surgeon.
• You will drink small sips of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• You will avoid high-calorie, high-fat foods in addition to carbonated beverages.

Gastric sleeve results after 1 month can be visibly observed, as you will lose weight. You will experience improved appetite control and a reduction in hunger. In addition, after 1 month, you will almost complete the gastric sleeve recovery time. According to your health condition, your surgeon may advise you to go back to your daily routines.

Long-term results, such as a gastric sleeve 10 years later, are quite mind-blowing. Because many patients maintain substantial long-term weight loss, along with improvements in obesity-related conditions and overall quality of life,.

Risks and Benefits of Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery requires frequent appointments with the surgeon. Because your current health condition should be evaluated by your surgeon to prevent complications and enhance the results, Just like every surgery, gastric sleeve surgery results in risks and benefits, which you can check below:

Benefits:

• You can expect to lose a considerable amount of excess weight, which is often sustained over the long term.
• There is a notable improvement in obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
• Many patients report better mobility, self-esteem, and overall quality of life post-surgery.
• The surgery leads to a decrease in the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which aids in appetite control.
• The procedure is less invasive compared to other bariatric surgeries; therefore, it offers a quicker recovery time.

Risks:

• There are risks of complications such as bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• There is a risk of deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, requiring lifelong supplementation.
• Adjusting to dramatic body changes can have psychological effects. You may need to get professional support.
• Over time, the remaining stomach can stretch if you overeat.