Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is a surgical operation where the size of the stomach is reduced using minimally invasive laparoscope through small incisions. This surgery is permanent with most of the stomach taken out and converted into a system which continues along with the intestines and oesophagus. The operation also affects the hormones responsible for the regulation of hunger. After the procedure, the desire to eat is significantly reduced.
What category of patients benefit from Gastric Sleeve?
Sleeve gastrectomy is primarily performed to treat morbid obesity. The surgery can also be used as a transition towards gastric bypass surgery if the main purpose is not to treat morbid obesity. It is common among people aged between 18 to 65. Sleeve gastrectomy surgery offers you a safe and effective way to lose weight.
How is the surgery conducted?
General anaesthesia is used when performing gastric sleeve surgery. The surgery is performed using laparoscopic techniques, laparoscopic surgery uses a thin tube called a laparoscope which is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. A calibration tube is inserted to the entrance of the stomach in order to make sure no errors are made during surgery. Once the necessary precautions are in place, the stomach is cut from end to end and the calibration tube removed. Some tests are carried out during and after the surgery to make absolutely sure that there are no complications.
Patients go through extensive check-ups before undergoing gastric sleeve procedure, this is necessary to see if they have any pre-existing conditions such as heart related problems which can get in the way of the gastric sleeve operation. The patient is admitted on the day of the surgery and monitored for two to three days after the surgery. The surgery usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, variation in duration can be due to the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon performing the surgery. If it is determined that a patient has a serious weight problem which can increases the risk of steatosis hepatis (fatty liver syndrome), a special diet program would be recommended to the patient 10 to 15 days before the surgery.
Patients go through extensive check-ups before undergoing gastric sleeve procedure, this is necessary to see if they have any pre-existing conditions such as heart related problems which can get in the way of the gastric sleeve operation. The patient is admitted on the day of the surgery and monitored for two to three days after the surgery. The surgery usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, variation in duration can be due to the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon performing the surgery. If it is determined that a patient has a serious weight problem which can increases the risk of steatosis hepatis (fatty liver syndrome), a special diet program would be recommended to the patient 10 to 15 days before the surgery.
What are the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy?
When it comes down to treating morbid obesity, it can be very difficult to obtain lasting results with diets or medications. Many people try pills or dietary shakes hoping to lose as much weight as possible within a short time frame. This is not only unhealthy but also impossible, sleeve gastrectomy provides a permanent solution. The normal path for food digestion is through the oesophagus, stomach and then the intestines, this technique ensures that the system is not distrupted.
How to take care of your nutrition after the surgery
Beverages such as soda drinks should be avoided after the undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. The patient needs to follow a liquid diet for 10 to 14 days after the surgery, liquid and solid foods must not be consumed at the same time. Foods rich in protein such as chicken, fish, eggs and yogurt are recommended for life after surgery. Vegetables and greens should also be included in genral diet plan. If these conditions are followed properly, the surgery would give the expected results. It is still possible for the stomach return to its former size and the lost weight regained. To avoid this outcome, the patient must be careful about their nutrition and adapt to a better nutritional lifestyle.
1How long does gastric sleeve surgery take?
Gastric sleeve surgery usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. Since it is a laparoscopic surgery, the preparation of imaging, laser, aspiration and gas systems prepared before the surgery causes a longer preoperative preparation period compared to open surgeries. variation in duration can also be due to the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon performing the surgery. Since the patients will go back to their rooms directly after the operation, it is necessary to fully recover from the anesthesia after the operation. For this reason, the patient is kept in the operating room for a while. In total it takes about 3 hours for the patient to return to their room.
2Is there any scar after gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a laparoscopic (closed) operation conducted through two small incisions(2 5mm and 2 10mm). The surgery is conducted through these small incisions using special surgical instruments. After the surgery, these incisions are closed aesthetically with special self-melting sutures that require no suture removal afterward. Once the patients has been discharged, the incision sites are left open with no dressing required. The incision sites heal completely after some time leaving no scars.
