Gastric sleeve surgery is bariatric surgery for patients
who are overweight at the level of morbid obesity. Basically, in this surgery,
almost 75% of the stomach is surgically removed. Thus, the amount of food that
can be taken in a single meal is significantly reduced. The shape of the
stomach is transformed from a large round bag into a thin tube. The purpose of
this surgery is to create a feeling of saturation with a small amount of food
for the patient as the volume of the stomach becomes smaller. In addition, some
hormonal changes that affect the patient's feeling of hunger occur with this
surgical method. According to heavy diets and other unhealthy and non-permanent
weight loss methods, this method does not change the nutrient absorption
disorder or the continuity of the intestinal system.
However, it is essential and necessary to undergo various lifestyle changes, especially eating habits and exercise, following this surgery.
Who Is This For?
Treatment Duration
40-70 minutes
Potential Risks & Side Effects
Recovery Time
Most people stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after
gastric sleeve surgery and return to normal activities within 3-5 weeks. This
can also be considered as the healing time of incisions.
Success Rate: 90%
Alternative Treatments
How Does it Work?
Gastric sleeve is a weight loss surgery, that works by restricting the amount of food intake by reducing the stomach’s size by 15% to 20%. As we said before, the surgery is for;
What is BMI and How to Calculate It?
BMI is an acronym for Body Mass Index –which is value derived from calculating one’s body fat, based on the relationship between their height and weight.
The
formula to calculate the BMI is: weight in kilograms / height squared in
centimeters
What does a Gastric Sleeve Surgery involve?
Gastric
sleeve is a laparoscopic procedure. This simply means that it is an operation performed in the abdomen or pelvis using small incisions
with the aid of a camera.
When you decide to undergo the
gastric sleeve surgery, we will plan and customize the
surgery according to the best clinic practices and your preferences and needs.
Your first consultation will be done online, and when you arrive at the clinic,
you will have your final consultation which will be done face-to-face between
you and your surgeon.
Here are some of the steps you can expect during the
surgery:
1. Taking the anesthesia
To make you feel comfortable during the surgery, your
surgeon will give you general anesthesia right before the surgery commences.
2. Procedure
When the general anesthesia is applied, your surgeon will
create a small stomach "sleeve” using a stapling device and the rest of
the stomach is permanently removed. In laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a tiny
camera placed in the stomach allows the surgeon to see inside the patient's
stomach.
During the surgery, your surgeon will make two to five
small incisions in the abdomen and the laparoscope and other instruments needed
are entered through these openings. Then a large portion of the stomach is
removed and the remaining portions of the stomach are joined together using
surgical staples. Thus, a long vertical tube or banana-shaped stomach is
created.
3. Post-Op Instructions
For
the first few days after surgery you need to rest. You should ensure that you
have someone who can help you at home not to force yourself to do necessary
things. You should not lift anything over 10 lbs for 10 days after surgery and
any strenuous exercise for 6 weeks after the surgery is not allowed as well.
Small walks are recommended immediately after the surgery. This will help your
lungs, circulation and speed recovery and also important to get rid of gas. You
can usually return to work and your normal life four to six weeks after the
surgery once the stomach heals.
Things You Should Do Before Surgery
What Should I Eat After a Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
One week after surgery
For about a week after surgery you should consume only clear liquids. you are also not allowed to take soft or solid food after one week from a gastric sleeve surgery. Solid foods may cause stapler line opening and leakage after surgery. During this period, liquid foods, low-calorie and low-fat soups, jellies, protein drinks can be consumed. An important note at this stage is that the liquid foods consumed must be low calorie and fat free.
2-5 weeks after surgery
At this stage you can eat mashed foods. Excess food intake can cause discomfort and vomiting. Mashed meat, potatoes and all kinds of fruit puree can be consumed. Again, low calorie and fat-free should be considered. Foods such as processed sugar and concentrated fruit juice should be avoided, as well as the consumption of carbonate-containing liquids is prohibited for one month after surgery.
6-12 weeks after surgery
During this period, soft foods can be slowly added into your diet. Cheese, well-cooked vegetables (through the blender) and protein foods can be eaten. The time between meals should be longer than 4 hours and each meal should be slowly chewed and eaten, for example, in a minimum of 30 minutes.
4 months after surgery
After 4 months, you can gradually and regularly switch to a normal diet. Meats, eggs, vegetables and legumes can be consumed. However, carbohydrate foods such as rice, pasta, bread may not be tolerated by the body for a few more months.
First 2 years after surgery
Caloric
intake can be increased to 1000-1200 levels if strictly followed the
instructions so far and after the expected amount of weight loss has been
achieved. Although a common dietary example for post-surgery is given herein,
it is possible to add or remove certain foods from the diet according to the
tolerance level of the individual. In addition to establishing a diet, you
should be ready for a certain amount of regular exercise before and after
surgery. This increases the expected weight loss and prevents weight gain
again.
FAQ
Is Gastric Sleeve
Painful?
You may feel pain or soreness after the procedure is
done. However, your surgeon may prescribe painkillers to relieve this pain and
discomfort.
Does Gastric
Sleeve Leave a Scar?
If gastric sleeve procedure is performed through
single-incision laparoscopic surgery patients usually will have one small scar
hidden in the belly button. If it is performed as multi-port laparoscopic
surgery, patients will have 4 to 5 small scars across the abdomen. If open
surgery should be considered, there will be a larger scar across the abdomen.
How Much Weight
Will I Lose With The Gastric Sleeve Procedure?
You will lose 60-70% of their body weight on average within two years after surgery, especially in the first year.
Our team will dedicate their effort and time to help you choose the clinic best for you. Our goal is not just to find ‘a doctor’ for you, but to find ‘the right doctor’.