Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is also called as gastric sleeve surgery. It is one of the latest options for patients who are looking for a straightforward procedure which does not require any maintenance for weight loss.

What is sleeve gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight loss procedure in which a part of the stomach is removed. This helps in limiting the food intake, without any negative effects on the absorption of nutrients. The surgery also alters the hormonal signals in between the stomach, brain, and liver.

What are the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy?

Benefits of the sleeve gastrectomy include the following:

  • Reduces hunger
  • Shows quick results
  • Takes less time for recovery
  • Minimally invasive
  • Improves conditions like type II diabetes
Who are eligible for sleeve gastrectomy?

Individuals with the following criteria are eligible for sleeve gastrectomy:

  • Older age
  • BMI greater than 60
  • Severe co-morbidities
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
Before surgery

Before sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon instructs the patient about special dietary modifications. Most of the surgeons recommend consuming a diet rich in proteins, low in carbohydrates, and avoiding sugars. The patient must avoid eating anything after midnight, the day before surgery.

During surgery

The surgeon administers general anesthesia to the patient to avoid discomfort for the patient during the surgery. The surgeon makes multiple small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope (tiny tube with a camera) that sends images to the monitor. Almost around three-quarters of the stomach along the outside curvature is removed making the stomach in the shape of a thin tube of the sleeve. The surgery is performed in one or two hours

After surgery

The next day after the surgery patient must undergo a gastrograffin swallow study that helps identify the presence of any leakage from the stomach. On the first day after the surgery, only clear liquids are given to the patient. The diet can be changed from pure liquids to pureed foods, protein shakes and the diet pattern is continued till 4 weeks after the surgery. Regular diet can be followed after 2-3 months of surgery. It takes 2-4 weeks for the complete recovery.

Complications

Below mentioned are some of the complications of gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Blood clotting
  • Vomiting
  • Infection
  • Esophageal pain
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Following new diet guidelines further after the surgery is important as falling back into the old habits is likely, this would regain the weight. So, ensure to eat healthy and balanced, to stay fit for rest of the life.