Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Overview

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy it is a type of bariatric surgery designed to help people lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach. This stomach sleeve surgery makes the stomach smaller limiting food intake and promoting long term weight loss. The procedure is commonly recommended for individuals struggling with obesity who have not achieved success with diet and exercise alone.

Why Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) is Required?

Gastric sleeve surgery is typically recommended for individuals who:

Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (severe obesity).

Have a BMI of 35 or more with obesity related health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.

Struggle with long term weight management despite lifestyle changes.

Need to improve their overall health and reduce the risk of obesity related diseases.

Want a less complex weight loss surgery compared to gastric bypass.

Key Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

• Significant weight loss: Patients typically lose 50-70% of their excess weight within the first year.
• Reduces hunger: By removing the part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin, patients feel less hungry.
• Improves overall health: Can help control or eliminate obesity related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
• No foreign objects: Unlike gastric banding, this bariatric sleeve surgery does not involve implants or adjustments.
• Shorter recovery time: Many people return to normal activities within a few weeks.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) Treatment?

To ensure a smooth surgery and recovery doctors usually recommend:

• Medical evaluations: Blood tests, imaging and heart checkups.
• Dietary changes: A special pre surgery diet to reduce liver size and improve surgical safety.
• Quitting smoking and alcohol: To enhance healing and lower the risk of complications.
• Physical activity: Starting light exercises to improve strength before surgery.
• Psychological preparation: Understanding that gastric sleeve surgery is a lifestyle change not just a quick fix.

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) is Performed?

The gastric sleeve procedure is performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Steps include:

Small incisions are made in the abdomen.

A laparoscope (camera) and surgical tools are inserted.

Around 75-80% of the stomach is removed leaving a sleeve shaped stomach.

The remaining part of the stomach is sealed with surgical staples.

The incisions are closed and the procedure is completed in about 60-90 minutes.

What You Can Expect?

1. Before the Procedure

You may need to follow a liquid diet for 1-2 weeks before surgery.

Fasting is required 8-12 hours before surgery.

Doctors may give medications to prepare your body.

2. During the Procedure

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.

You will wake up in a recovery room after surgery.

3. After the Procedure

Hospital stay of 1-2 days for monitoring.

You will start on a liquid diet followed by soft foods and eventually solid foods.

Recovery time is around 2-4 weeks.

Gradual weight loss starts within weeks after surgery.

Risk and Potential Complications

Like any surgery gastric sleeve surgery has potential risks, including:

Leakage from staple line

Infection or blood clots

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake

Gastric sleeve surgery side effects like nausea, vomiting or temporary hair loss

Results/Outcomes

Patients lose 50-70% of excess weight within the first 12-18 months.

Many health conditions improve, including diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension.

Improved mobility, energy levels and quality of life.

Long term success depends on maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle.