Obesity affects many people worldwide. Excess weight leads to various problems with the heart and other body systems. Diets don’t always help. Gastric sleeve surgery is now the most popular form of surgical treatment for obesity in the US. The surgeon removes nearly 80% of the stomach. They leave only a narrow, tubular portion that limits food intake. This allows patients to eat smaller portions and experience less hunger. People form healthier habits and lose weight easily and healthily. In 2023, approximately 157,254 people in the US selected gastric sleeve surgery. These numbers grow annually. Let’s discuss the primary benefits of gastric sleeve surgery.
The specialist removes nearly 80 percent of the stomach using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The doctor makes several incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope, an instrument with a tiny camera. This camera transmits images to a monitor. The bariatric surgeon also uses other medical instruments necessary for the surgery. The surgeon sculpts the remaining portion of the stomach into a sleeve-shaped tube.
A smaller stomach can hold only 60 ml of food at a time, compared to an average stomach, which can hold up to 1.8 liters. Sleeve gastrectomy limits food intake. The patient simply can’t eat as much as before. Appetite also decreases after the surgery. The hormones ghrelin and leptin control appetite and energy balance and are closely linked to obesity. Removing most of the stomach causes chemical changes in the body. Gastric sleeve surgery alters hormonal balance, which reduces appetite.
This is a minimally invasive procedure. Its success rate typically ranges from 73% to 96%. It limits food intake and reduces appetite. This is an excellent option if you have severe obesity or another condition that can be improved by losing weight.
Imagine feeling full after eating, yet your portions are much smaller than before. You feel really good after lunch, and your weight decreases, all without effort. This is the main goal of gastric sleeve surgery.
Diets can be difficult and may not help you lose weight. But with gastric sleeve surgery, you get results quickly. Weight loss helps alleviate or eliminate conditions associated with obesity. These include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. Liver health is significantly improved, and joint stress is reduced. Pain in the knees, hips, and lower back is eliminated. The surgery reduces the size of the stomach, but the digestive tract remains the same. This reduces the risk of nutritional deficiencies (although they still exist, they are less than with bypass surgery). The surgery usually takes 60-90 minutes. You experience relief, feel less hungry, and regain your energy!
A suitable candidate has a body mass index of 40 or more (100 pounds above the recommended weight). A patient can also have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 but have serious health problems associated with obesity. These conditions include type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, or severe sleep apnea. These patients have also failed to lose weight through other means.
In the first six months to a year after surgery, people lose about two-thirds of their excess weight. But only if patients follow their doctor’s recommendations. Exercise for at least 1 hour, 4 days a week. Eat two to three times a day on most days of the week. Keep your diet rich in protein. Avoid high-calorie, high-sugar drinks.
Of course, there are risks after any surgery. But they can be minimized. The most serious complication is suture failure and leakage at the gastric ligation site. However, the risk is minimal. Also rare are internal bleeding or bleeding from puncture sites, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or infection. Some patients have a unique reaction to anesthesia. This can occur immediately after surgery. So, follow up with your doctor and take care of yourself. With the right approach, you will be safe.
Late risks include inadequate nutrient intake. Due to reduced stomach volume and decreased absorption, a person may experience deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and folic acid. However, risks can be minimized. Be examined by a nutritionist, psychologist, and endocrinologist. Choose the best clinic and an experienced surgeon. A competent doctor will likely prescribe blood-thinning injections immediately after surgery to prevent blood clots. You will need to do light exercises, breathing exercises, and undergo examinations.
Many patients are concerned about discomfort and pain. Postoperative pain includes pain at the puncture sites. It is sharp and intensifies with movement. Its peak occurs in the first 2-4 days.
Shoulder and back pain can be caused by diaphragm irritation from residual gas or from the surgery itself. The gas used to expand the abdominal cavity rises and presses on the phrenic nerves. This will subside within 3 days.
Some patients notice cramping in the stomach and esophagus, especially with the first sip of water or food. These sensations will subside within 2 weeks or sooner. General soreness and body aches will also subside quickly. However, pain may indicate problems.
Sharp, localized, throbbing pain at one specific puncture site, especially if accompanied by redness, swelling, purulent discharge, or fever, is a reason to see a doctor immediately! The wound is likely infected.
Constant, increasing abdominal pain may be accompanied by chills, fever, and tachycardia. Suture failure, an abscess, or internal bleeding may cause this. This requires immediate surgical attention. Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing may indicate a pulmonary embolism. In this case, seek immediate medical attention!
If nothing critical is found and you’re already at home and feeling pain, your doctor will prescribe prescription painkillers. However, avoid ibuprofen, diclofenac, and ketorol, as they increase the risk of bleeding and ulcers. Take only medications approved by your surgeon.Remember that walking helps with gas, and a warm heating pad on your shoulders and back for 15-20 minutes can help relieve referred pain. Sleeping and resting in a semi-sitting position or on your left side reduces pressure on the stomach and diaphragm. Slow, deep breaths help relax muscles and oxygenate the blood.
Pain is aggravated by fear, anxiety, and lack of sleep. Prepare yourself mentally, find support, and trust your surgeon. Pain is a temporary stage on the path to a new life.
What should you do after discharge? Strictly follow the gradual diet. At first, consume only liquid foods. Then you can add pureed and soft foods. Then you can transition to a standard, high-quality diet and strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations. Eating solid or fatty foods prematurely can cause problems with the sutures. Lifelong: Take special multivitamins for bariatric patients, as well as iron, calcium, and B12 supplements. Have regular blood tests to monitor your micronutrient levels. Schedule visits with your surgeon, nutritionist, and therapist. Also, develop healthy habits.
Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Drink plenty of water, but not during meals. Avoid unhealthy sweets and sugary drinks. And engage in moderate exercise regularly. Choose walking or swimming. You can also do strength training. But listen carefully to your doctor’s recommendations. At our clinic, the specialists are very attentive to patients. We will explain what to do at each stage of your recovery. We also recommend working with a psychologist. A specialist will help you recover and adjust to a new lifestyle.
If you’ve decided to pursue this method, choose the right clinic. A skilled surgeon and high-quality equipment minimize the risk of complications. At the Tuscaloosa Bariatric Surgery Center, we’ve performed numerous weight loss surgeries. We know how to help you feel comfortable at every stage. Dr. Bilton is a board-certified general surgeon and bariatric surgery specialist. We’ll help you choose between gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding. We offer comprehensive, high-quality care. Schedule a consultation.
