What Is Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery and How Does It Work?
For many people struggling with obesity, managing diet and exercise can feel like a constant battle with limited success.
If you find yourself in this position, you’re not alone in exploring alternative solutions, such as sleeve weight loss or gastric sleeve surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is gaining popularity, but how does it work?
In this blog, we will explore what is a gastric sleeve surgery and how it works.
What Is Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing a significant part of the stomach, leaving a small, tube-shaped “sleeve.” This drastically reduces the stomach’s capacity, so you feel full more quickly while eating small amounts of food.
Additionally, the procedure lowers the production of hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, which helps decrease appetite and cravings.
The surgery also causes beneficial changes in gut hormones and bacteria, improving insulin sensitivity and metabolism, aiding in further weight loss and helping to manage conditions like type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, many patients typically achieve weight loss equivalent to 50-70% of their excess weight within 18 to 24 months after gastric sleeve surgery.
What Qualifies You For Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Qualifying for gastric sleeve surgery involves meeting specific criteria typically set by medical professionals. Here are the common gastric sleeve surgery requirements:
- Have BMI of 40 or higher, or BMI of at least 35 with at least one obesity-related disease.
- Have unsuccessful attempts to lose weight through diet and exercises
- You are committed to significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise.
How Is Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery Performed?
Gastric sleeve surgery is usually conducted as a laparoscopic or robotic surgery under anaesthesia.
This approach involves making small incisions instead of making a large incision to open your abdominal cavity to access your organs, resulting in less trauma, quicker recovery, and potentially fewer complications.
The steps involved in gastric sleeve surgery:
- The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen to insert surgical instruments and a laparoscope that provides a view inside the abdomen.
- Using specialised surgical instruments, the surgeon carefully removes approximately 75-80% of the stomach, forming a narrow, tube-shaped stomach or “sleeve.”
- The remaining portion of the stomach is then sealed with surgical staples, creating the sleeve-like structure.
- The incisions are then closed with sutures or surgical staples.
How To Recover From Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The recovery period after gastric sleeve surgery varies among individuals, but most people can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks. Full recovery can take several months.
Tips for recovering from gastric sleeve surgery:
- Manage Pain: Take pain medications as prescribed to manage discomfort after the initial recovery period.
- Dietary Progression: Start with clear liquids, then progress to pureed foods, soft foods, and finally solid foods over several weeks. This gradual transition allows your stomach to heal and adjust.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids between meals to stay hydrated. Avoid drinking with meals to prevent discomfort and ensure proper digestion.
- Take Supplements: Gastric sleeve surgery can impact nutrient absorption, so vitamin and mineral supplements are crucial for maintaining overall health.
Gradual Activity Increase: Gradually increase your activity level by starting with light activities such as short walks. Regular movement promotes healing and prevents complications such as blood clots.
Consult Dr Balaji Nagammapudur For Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery in Dubai
Dr Balaji Nagammapudur stands out as a seasoned consultant surgeon with over 30 years of expertise, specialising in sleeve weight loss surgery in Dubai. His dedication to treating and managing bariatric disorders ensures that patients receive personalized care and comprehensive support throughout their weight loss journey.
FAQs
Yes, adopting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity are crucial for long-term success. You will also take vitamin and mineral supplements as recommended.
The recovery time for gastric sleeve is generally shorter than that for gastric bypass surgery. After sleeve surgery, most patients can resume normal activities within 2-4 weeks, whereas recovery from gastric bypass typically requires a longer period.
Consultation with a qualified bariatric surgeon is essential. He will assess your health, discuss your weight loss objectives and goals, and help determine if gastric sleeve surgery or any other bariatric surgery like mini gastric bypass surgery is the best option for you.