Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve Surgery (also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy) is a bariatric surgical procedure that removes a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, tube-shaped stomach or sleeve.

With the help of gastric sleeve surgery, the individual's stomach will get smaller, which helps limit the amount of food a person can eat at once.

The smaller stomach size results in a feeling of fullness after consuming smaller portions. The surgery may also cause changes in gut hormones that can help reduce hunger and improve blood sugar control.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a major surgical procedure and should only be considered after other weight loss efforts have been tried and failed.

Individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, might want to get Gastric Sleeve Surgery. 

• Both men and women who are age is between 18 and 65,
• The ones whose body mass index (BMI) is over 35 or more,
• The ones whose body mass index (BMI) is over 40 or higher and 100 pounds overweight,
• The ones who have obesity-related significant comorbidities such as type II diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, sleep apnea, other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease...
• individuals who have tried and failed substantial efforts to reduce weight through lifestyle and diets may be suitable candidates for Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve Surgery).

For a safe and successful gastric sleeve surgery procedure, individuals must also be prepared for the surgery.

Before undergoing Gastric Sleeve Surgery, the individual must undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess the overall health and any existing medical conditions. Medical evaluation involves blood tests, monitoring if needed, and consultations with other healthcare providers.

In some cases, the individuals may be asked to lose weight before surgery to reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure. The healthcare provider will advise on the amount of weight loss required and guide how to achieve it.

Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, so the individuals will be asked to quit smoking at least several weeks before the surgery.

Before surgery, the individuals may be required to change their diet and exercise habits to improve their overall health and prepare the body for the surgery.

Before and after the surgery, the individuals will need extra support. The individuals may be asked to take certain supplements or medications to prepare the body for the surgery.

As with any other surgery, sleeve gastrectomy is unique for each individual. The healthcare provider will provide specific instructions on preparing for the surgery, including when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure, what medications to take, and what to expect during and after the surgery.

Before gastric sleeve surgery, individuals must fast for a particular time, typically at least 8-12 hours. This is required to ensure that the stomach is empty and reduce the risk of complications during the surgery.

The individuals have to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), several days before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Also, the healthcare provider may consider giving medication to help prevent nausea and reduce the risk of infection before the surgery.

Before the surgery, anesthesia will be given to ensure that the individuals are asleep and do not feel any pain during the procedure.

The surgeon may mark the site of the surgery on the individual's abdomen to ensure that the incisions are made in the correct location.

After the surgery, the individual will be under the vigilant care of our healthcare team, ensuring that there are no complications. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days before being discharged, knowing they are in safe hands.

It is expected to experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery; don't worry; pain can be manageable with prescription pain medication.

In the weeks and months following the surgery, the individual's commitment to following a special diet is crucial. This diet ensures that the body receives the nutrients it needs to heal properly, and your active participation in this process is key.

After Sleeve Gastrectomy, the healthcare team will provide specific instructions on what and how much to eat.

After Gastric Sleeve Surgery, as the individual starts to recover, the exercise program will gradually increase, starting with light walking and progressing to more intense exercise as your body allows.

The individuals have to attend follow-up appointments regularly. This is required to monitor the progress and ensure you are healing correctly.

After Gastric Sleeve Surgery, it's essential to make permanent lifestyle changes to support the weight loss goals and improve the overall health.

The cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, such as geographic location, healthcare provider, insurance coverage, and/or pre-existing medical conditions...

The cost of sleeve gastrectomy can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the factors.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery recovery period usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. All patients are encouraged to walk as early as 3-4 hours after surgery. In general, the pain is easily manageable after surgery. Discharge occurs after a 2-3 night hospital stay. All patients must take a multivitamin and B complex after surgery.

Returning to normal activities, such as going back to work and/or school, takes 2 to 4 weeks but changes from person to person.

For the first two weeks, patients have to go on a special diet called a liquid diet. The first day after the surgery is a clear liquid diet; starting from the 2nd day to the 14th day, a complete liquid diet, including protein shakes, yogurt, broth, milk, and juice, is required.

During the first 2 weeks, because of the low-calorie intake from a liquid diet, fatigue is common; however, feeling hunger is not.

Weeks between 3-5, when turning to a soft food diet, the energy level improves quickly.

After 5 weeks, patients can begin to eat regular food.  Eating a small amount of food each time and having more frequent meals is essential.

Time for full recovery starts 3 weeks after surgery, and patients can begin exercising 5 weeks after surgery.

Pros

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery procedure restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold,
• Gastric Sleeve Surgery provides weight loss of >50% for 3-5+ year data,
• Gastric Sleeve Surgery involves a relatively short hospital stay of approximately two days,
• Gastric Sleeve Surgery causes positive changes in obesity-related significant comorbidities that suppress hunger, reduce appetite and improve satiety,
• Another advantage of Gastric Sleeve Surgery is that no foreign material (such as the stomach band) is placed in the body, and no change is made in the inner and outer parts of the stomach.

Cons

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a non-reversible procedure,
• After surgery, long-term vitamin deficiencies are potentially present.
• As your body adapts, you may experience side effects such as feeling cold and tired, dry skin, mood changes, muscle aches and fatigue, hair thinning, and loss.

During the Gastric Sleeve Surgery surgery, the individuals will be given general anesthesia, which means they will be asleep and will not feel any pain.

After the surgery, some pain, swelling, or discomfort in the abdominal area is expected. You may also have some incision pain or soreness in the throat from the breathing tube used during the surgery. Pain and discomfort can usually be managed with pain medication, which your healthcare team will provide.

If you experience severe pain or any concerning symptoms, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider right away.

Overall, while some discomfort and pain may be expected after sleeve gastrectomy, it is typically well-managed with appropriate pain management techniques, and the benefits of the procedure often outweigh the temporary discomfort.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery can be performed at any time of the year. The decision of when to have the surgery is usually based on the individual's schedule and preferences.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a permanent surgical procedure that is not reversible. The duration of weight loss may vary depending on the individual's starting weight, health status, and other factors.