A major piece of the stomach is removed during gastric sleeve surgery, sometimes referred to as a sleeve gastrectomy, to produce a smaller, tube-shaped stomach. Due to the surgical restriction on food intake, a large quantity of weight is lost.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery can be an effective tool for weight loss. However, it is significant to consider the risks and benefits before deciding if it is worth it.
You must make an informed decision about whether sleeve gastrectomy surgery is right for you. Here, we’ll explore how sleeve gastrectomy surgery works, its potential benefits and risks, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
What is a Gastric Sleeve?
The term “gastric sleeve surgery“, also known as “sleeve gastrectomy” or “vertical sleeve gastrectomy” (VSG), refers to a weight reduction procedure that includes the removal of around 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a tubular “sleeve” that limits food intake and promotes weight loss.
Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with significant weight-related health issues, are the typical BMI ranges for those who should consider this procedure.
Usually, the operation is performed laparoscopically, which calls for the surgeon to make a few tiny incisions in the belly. And it is used a camera and specialized tools to complete the treatment.
Who is a good candidate for Gastric Sleeve?
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is not suggested for everyone wanting to lose weight. In most circumstances, surgeons will ask you to meet the following criteria:
- BMI of 40 or higher, or 30 to 39 if you have an underlying health problem caused by obesity
- Between the ages of 18 and 75
- Those who have tried other weight loss regimens that have not had long-term success, such as diet and physical exercise
Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass
Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are two of the most common types of weight loss surgery. While both procedures can help patients achieve significant weight loss, they differ in their approach and potential risks and benefits.
To produce a smaller, tube-shaped stomach through gastric sleeve surgery, a significant amount of the stomach must be removed. As a result, the amount of food that may be consumed is limited, resulting in weight loss. Gastric bypass surgery, on the other hand, involves separating the stomach into a smaller pouch and diverting the small intestine to this pouch, limiting the amount of food that can be taken and decreasing calorie and nutrient absorption.
One key difference between the two procedures is that gastric bypass is associated with a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies than sleeve gastrectomy surgery. This is because the rerouting of the small intestine can affect the absorption of nutrients, particularly vitamin B12, iron, and calcium. However, gastric bypass may be more effective in resolving certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, compared to sleeve gastrectomy.
The fact that gastric bypass surgery is often more difficult. And it requires a longer recovery period than gastric sleeve surgery is another difference. Patients who undergo gastric bypass may also experience a higher risk of complications, such as infection, bleeding, and bowel obstruction, compared to those who undergo gastric sleeve surgery.
Ultimately, the choice between both procedures depends on individual factors, such as overall health, weight loss goals, and personal preferences. Patients should explore the risks and advantages of each surgery with a healthcare physician to make an informed decision.
Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Band (Lap Band)
The Advantages of Gastric Band
According to statistics, persons who have gastric band surgery can lose up to 50% of their extra body weight in two years. This can improve their general health by lowering their risk of diabetes, blood pressure, and death.
If there are any problems, the gastric bands can be modified. Or it can be removed altogether, providing you peace of mind knowing the treatment can be undone if necessary.
Gastric band surgery typically has a two-week recovery period. You will most likely stay in the hospital overnight, followed by two weeks of a strict postoperative diet before you may resume solid meals.
The Disadvantages of Gastric Band
Weight loss is often sustained over the long term. However, data indicates that those who have lap band surgery typically have slower weight loss than people who have sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
You are more likely to have the band slide or become infected after having gastric band surgery. Acid reflux is also more likely.
As your stomach decreases over time, the band will grow looser and will need to be tightened. You will need to return to the clinic frequently to have the band adjusted and replenished with little quantities of saline.
The Advantages of Gastric Sleeve
After the surgery, people often lose between 60 and 70 percent of their extra body weight in 12 to 18 months. This is a faster weight loss rate than people with gastric bands.
Treatment for illnesses connected to obesity, such as type II diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, might be aided by both operations.
A gastric sleeve, unlike lap band surgery, does not require any follow-up treatments for corrections.
The Disadvantages of Gastric Sleeve
Sleeve gastrectomy is often more costly than lap band surgery.
Recovery from a sleeve gastrectomy operation usually takes longer than after a lap band operation. Before you can start eating solid food again, you will often need to adhere to a strict postoperative diet for up to six weeks while you are recovering in the hospital. To avoid stressing your wound, you will also require assistance with daily tasks in the early days.
Sleeve gastrectomy is permanent, which means that if issues arise, you will not be able to reverse the treatment.
Anyone who has had sleeve gastrectomy surgery often needs to take vitamins for the rest of their lives, along with receiving quarterly B12 injections and routine blood work.
Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Balloon
Similarities
- Both operations are limiting in the sense that the stomach shrinks.
- Both lower ghrelin levels.
- Both are safe and beneficial for weight loss.
Differences
- The gastric balloon is not invasive, however, sleeve gastrectomy is.
- The sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent and irreversible procedure, whereas the gastric balloon is just temporary.
- A gastric balloon treatment requires less time to recuperate than a sleeve gastrectomy procedure.
- When compared to gastric balloons, sleeve gastrectomy results in more weight reduction.
Why choose gastric sleeve surgery?
You may be able to lose weight and keep it off with the less invasive technique known as gastric sleeve surgery. Compared to other bariatric procedures, this one is conducted laparoscopically, thus the recovery period is shorter. It allows you to return to your regular routine sooner. Call +90 (536) 934 6524 to find out more about the gastric sleeve procedure and the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gastric sleeve procedure?
What is the gastric sleeve procedure?
Small incisions are created in the upper abdomen during laparoscopic surgery, which is how it is carried out. The left side of the stomach has been excised in its majority. The remainder of the stomach is then a little tube known as a sleeve. Food is evacuated from the stomach's bottom into the small intestine, just as it was before the operation.
Will I eat normally again after the gastric sleeve?
Will I eat normally again after the gastric sleeve?
You should be able to resume a typical solid food diet after around 7 to 8 weeks. You can consume practically any kind of food, regardless of its texture, thanks to your gastric sleeve. Three meals a day that are well-balanced should be your goal. Your daily calorie intake should range from 1000 to 1200 kcal.
How often do people regain weight after gastric sleeve?
How often do people regain weight after gastric sleeve?
Following bariatric surgery, the typical first weight loss is between 47 to 80 percent of the extra weight. However, 15–25% of the weight lost is typically gained again. Patients may find this to be quite discouraging, thus it is crucial to control expectations for weight loss after surgery.
Is gastric sleeve safe?
Is gastric sleeve safe?
Although gastric sleeve surgery is typically safe, there are still hazards when undergoing surgery. Before choosing if the surgery is correct for you, you should explore the risks with your doctor.
Can the stomach grow again after gastric sleeve?
Can the stomach grow again after gastric sleeve?
No. It will not grow back to its former size, but will instead retain a capacity that will let the patient live a normal life for the foreseeable future once they have achieved their weight loss success.
Is gastric sleeve recovery hard?
Is gastric sleeve recovery hard?
The healing times for the incisions and the stomach staple line are, respectively, 6 to 8 weeks and roughly 2-3 weeks. Most people may start their regular workout program within a month and are almost totally recovered.
How dangerous is gastric sleeve surgery?
How dangerous is gastric sleeve surgery?
On average, roughly 5% of persons who have a sleeve gastrectomy will have some issues. The likelihood of fatal complications during surgery is 0.2%.
