Gastric Sleeve Surgery

“Gastric Sleeve Surgery”, or “Sleeve Gastrectomy”, is a popular type of weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) that helps people reduce weight by significantly reducing the size of the stomach. It’s often chosen by patients who are struggling with obesity and have not succeeded with other weight-loss methods.

Here’s an overview of the procedure, its benefits, risks, and recovery.

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works

In gastric sleeve surgery, about 75-80% of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach takes the shape of a narrow tube or “sleeve,” which restricts the amount of food that can be eaten at once. The smaller stomach size also reduces the production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, which can help decrease appetite.

This procedure is performed laparoscopically, meaning that the surgeon makes several small incisions and uses a camera to guide the surgery, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery compared to open surgery.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

1. Significant Weight Loss: Many patients lose 50-60% of their excess weight within the first 1-2 years after surgery.
2. Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions: Conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint issues often improve or resolve with weight loss.
3. Reduced Hunger: The decrease in ghrelin hormone can help reduce appetite, making it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet.
4. Shorter Procedure and Recovery Time: Compared to other bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy has a shorter surgery time and often fewer complications.
5. No Foreign Objects: Unlike adjustable gastric banding, no foreign objects are placed in the body, so there is no need for adjustments or risk of band-related complications.

Risks and Potential Complications

As with any major surgery, gastric sleeve surgery has potential risks and complications:

1. Leakage: There’s a risk of leakage along the staple line of the stomach, which can cause infection and other serious complications.
2. Blood Clots: Surgery increases the risk of blood clots, particularly in patients with obesity.
3. Nutrient Deficiencies: Although gastric sleeve surgery doesn’t alter the intestines, patients may still experience deficiencies in nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins B12 and D if they don’t follow recommended supplements.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Some patients develop or experience worsened acid reflux after the surgery.
5. Nausea and Vomiting: Due to the reduced stomach size, patients may experience nausea if they eat too much or too quickly.

Recovery and Lifestyle Changes

Recovery from gastric sleeve surgery typically requires a 1-2 day hospital stay, and patients can usually return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks. However, adhering to lifestyle changes is essential for long-term success:

1. Dietary Changes: Patients start with a liquid diet, progress to pureed foods, and eventually return to solid foods over the first several weeks post-surgery.
2. Portion Control: The smaller stomach size limits food intake, so patients need to eat smaller meals.
3. Regular Exercise: Exercise becomes a critical part of maintaining weight loss, and many patients begin with low-impact activities, gradually increasing intensity over time.
4. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: To prevent nutrient deficiencies, patients are typically advised to take daily supplements, including multivitamins, calcium, and sometimes additional vitamin B12 or iron.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Gastric sleeve surgery is typically recommended for individuals who:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (extreme obesity) or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.
• Have been unsuccessful with non-surgical weight-loss methods like diet, exercise, or medications.
• Are physically and psychologically prepared for the lifestyle changes required post-surgery.

Long-Term Outcomes

“Gastric Sleeve Surgery” is highly effective for long-term weight loss and improvement in quality of life. Studies show that it helps many patients maintain their weight loss for years, especially when paired with a commitment to lifestyle changes.

Overall, gastric sleeve surgery can be a life-changing option for those struggling with obesity, offering significant weight loss and health benefits. However, success relies heavily on adherence to dietary guidelines, regular exercise, and consistent follow-up care. SHIFA helps you choose the right weight loss method and coordinate with the best weight loss surgeons in Iran.