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Despite all the measures to get a slim body, is losing weight is a struggle for you? If yes, then do not worry, sleeve gastrectomy may help you in achieving your goal.
Overview
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgery that aids in weight loss by reducing the intake of the food. In this surgery, the outer margin of the stomach is removed, leaving the pylorus muscle (the muscle that controls the function of emptying the food from the stomach into the intestine) and sleeve of the stomach. The sleeve is of the size and shape of a banana, which restricts the intake of the food. The portion of the stomach that secrets the hormone that can make a person feel hungry is removed. After this surgery, the patient feels full even after eating less amount of food.
ELIGIBILITY
A person who did not lose weight with other interventions can undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
It is the best approach for the person with any of the following condition:
- Body mass index (BMI) over 40 with or without any associated condition
- BMI between 35 to 40 with conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure or heart disease
- Excessive weight to undergo other weight loss procedures
PREPARATION BEFORE PROCEDURE
During your first visit, a complete medical evaluation will be done. Your medical and medication history will be obtained. Some tests, like blood tests and ultrasound of the gallbladder, may also be done. The doctor will explain the procedure and associated risks in detail. A nutritional counselling will be given to brief you about the diet after the surgery.
If you smoke or consume tobacco, you will be instructed to stop those practices at least 12 weeks before the scheduled surgery. You may also be instructed to stop consuming certain medications like warfarin or aspirin as they increase the time of blood clotting. You will be instructed to stop eating or drinking anything after midnight on the night before the surgery.
ABOUT PROCEDURE
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. It is done as a laparoscopic procedure in which several small incisions are made in the upper abdomen. After making the small incisions, a laparoscope is inserted, through which large instruments are passed. The surgeon can look inside the stomach with the help of the camera attached to laparoscope. About 75% portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow gastric sleeve or tube. The remaining part of the stomach is tied together with the help of a surgical staple. After completing the procedure, all the instruments are removed and incisions are stitched back. In this procedure, the intestine is not removed or bypassed.
POST-PROCEDURE CARE
You will be shifted to the care unit, where you may be kept under observation for a few days. For the initial week after the surgery, you will get noncarbonated sugar-free liquids. Before you leave the hospital, your care team will instruct you about the diet. Initially, you will be told to take a pureed diet and gradually shift to the regular diet.
RECOVERY TIPS
Following measures may help in faster recovery after sleeve gastrectomy:
- Follow the diet and exercise as prescribed
- Get frequent medical checkups done for initial months
- Take all prescribed supplements like multivitamins and calcium supplements
- Take medications prescribed for pain
FAQ
No, sleeve gastrectomy is not a reversible procedure.
It usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes to complete the procedure.
Following risks are associated with sleeve gastrectomy:
- Injury to the stomach
- Poor nutrition
- Gastritis
- Leaking from the stapled lines
- Scarring inside the belly
- Vomiting due to overeating
The weight loss is faster after sleeve gastrectomy as compared to lap gastric band surgery.
During the sleeve gastrectomy surgery, no implantable device is placed in the body.
