Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

If your BMI falls in the obese class then you must have asked yourself what is gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. It is also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical procedure that helps obese patients lose weight. This type of surgery is becoming increasingly popular, and more and more people are choosing to have it done each year. If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery, then you need to know everything about it. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of gastric sleeve surgery and answer some common questions about it.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a type of bariatric surgery that reduces the size of the stomach to reduce hunger, food intake, and absorption of calories. This procedure involves the removal of up to 70% of the stomach, creating a “sleeve” or tube-shaped stomach which can hold about one cup worth of food. The procedure is typically done laparoscopically and requires general anesthesia.

Procedure

Given below is the procedure of gastric sleeve surgery in detailed explanation:

• The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen to access the stomach and remove a portion of it, creating a “sleeve”.
• Staples are used to divide the stomach into two sections: the smaller upper section (the gastric sleeve) and the larger lower section which is removed from the body.
• The remaining stomach is then connected to the small intestine, so that food can bypass the removed portion of the stomach.
• The staples are then closed and checked for any leaks.
• The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue and bandaged.

Benefits

Gastric sleeve surgery has numerous benefits, including:

• Weight loss: Patients typically lose 65 to 70 percent of their excess weight within two to three years.
• Reduced hunger and cravings: The smaller stomach size reduces hunger and food cravings, making it easier to stick with a weight-loss plan.
• Lower risk of obesity-related diseases: Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the risk of obesity-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
• Improved emotional well-being: Because gastric sleeve surgery can help you lose weight and improve your health, it often leads to improved self-esteem, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

Risks

Like any other surgery, gastric sleeve surgery has risks. These include:

• Bleeding: Blood loss is normal during most surgeries and can sometimes require a blood transfusion.
• Infection: Infections can occur at the site of the incision or within the stomach itself.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This is a blood clot that can form in the deep veins of the leg. It may require medication or even surgery to treat.
• Ulcers: A small percentage of patients may develop ulcers in the stomach after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery.
• Malnutrition: Because part of the stomach is removed, it is important to take a multivitamin and other dietary supplements to ensure proper nutrition.

Recovery

The recovery process after gastric sleeve surgery can differ from person to person. Generally, most people have minimal pain and discomfort in the days following the procedure, but many people do experience nausea, vomiting, and constipation due to changes in their diet. Most people return to their normal activities in two to four weeks, but it can take up to three months for full recovery from the surgery.

How To Prepare For Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, there are several important steps you should take to ensure your safety and the best possible outcome. These include:

• Consulting with a doctor: It is important to consult with a doctor before deciding whether or not to have surgery. A doctor can evaluate your individual situation and provide advice on whether or not the procedure is a good fit for you.
• Making lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes before gastric sleeve surgery can help ensure a successful outcome. This includes eating healthier, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking if you are a smoker.
• Educating yourself on the procedure: You should take time to learn as much as possible about the procedure, including its risks and benefits.
• Getting necessary tests done: Depending on your individual situation, you may be required to undergo certain tests prior to the surgery. These can include blood tests, urine tests, and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
• Pre-surgery diet: Your doctor may recommend a pre-surgery diet that can help reduce the size of your liver and make the procedure easier.
• Stress relief: It is important to find ways to manage stress in order to ensure a smooth recovery from surgery. This can include meditation, yoga, or other calming activities.

How To Maintain Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery can lead to impressive and lasting weight loss, but it is important to maintain healthy habits to ensure a successful long-term outcome. This includes:

• Sticking with your diet plan: After the surgery, you will need to follow a strict low-calorie, high-nutrition diet. This can help promote weight loss and prevent any nutritional deficiencies.
• Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help boost your metabolism and reduce your risk of gaining weight back.
• Making lifestyle changes: Making small, healthy changes to your lifestyle can help you maintain a healthy weight over time. This includes limiting processed foods and eating smaller portions.
• Seeking support: It is important to have a strong support system in place to provide encouragement and accountability.
• Seeing your doctor regularly: Regular checkups with your doctor can help ensure that you are staying on track and maintaining healthy weight loss goals.

What To Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Recovery from gastric sleeve surgery typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, you may experience some pain and discomfort, but this can be managed with medication. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, and constipation due to the changes in your diet.

It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor during recovery. This includes taking any medication prescribed by your doctor and following a strict low-calorie diet. It is also important to attend all of your follow-up appointments with your doctor.

Overall, gastric sleeve surgery can be a safe and effective way to achieve significant weight loss. It is important to make sure you are properly prepared before undergoing the procedure, as well as having an ongoing plan for maintaining healthy habits after the surgery. With proper preparation and commitment,

Conclusion

Gastric sleeve surgery is an effective and safe way to achieve significant weight loss. However, it is important to consult with a doctor beforehand and make necessary lifestyle changes before the procedure. It is also important to find ways to manage stress and stick with a healthy diet afterward in order to maintain successful long-term weight loss results. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of achieving and sustaining a healthier lifestyle.

Consider contacting FitMantra for additional information on nutrition and fitness. You can also get in touch with their nutrition experts through our online nutrition counseling, who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your fitness goals. You can also lose weight with the help of our weight loss program. Download our Fitness app on Android to learn more about us.