Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat obesity. Officially known as “sleeve gastrectomy,” this procedure aims to achieve weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach. It is often performed on individuals who have difficulty losing weight despite other diet and exercise methods.

Purpose of Surgery

The primary goal of sleeve gastrectomy is to help the patient feel full with less food, thereby reducing calorie intake. Reducing the stomach volume also affects the secretion of appetite-control hormones, which helps increase the feeling of fullness.

Surgery Process

Preparation:
Before the surgery, the patient must undergo a comprehensive evaluation. This includes factors such as medical history, body mass index (BMI), dietary habits, and psychological state.
The doctor will inform the patient about the surgical procedure and explain the potential risks.

Anesthesia:

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This means the patient is completely unconscious and will not feel any pain.

Surgery:

The surgery is usually performed laparoscopically. In this procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and specialized instruments are used to access the stomach.
A large portion of the stomach (approximately 80%) is removed, leaving a thin tube of stomach.
The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours.

Recovery:

After surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days. They are placed on a liquid diet for the first few days, followed by a gradual transition to solid foods.
Recovery time can vary from patient to patient, but they can generally return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks.

Advantages of the Surgery: – Rapid Weight Loss: Sleeve gastrectomy helps patients lose weight rapidly in the first few months. – Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease: It reduces the risk of obesity-related health problems (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea). -Increase in Quality of Life: Weight loss often provides a significant improvement in patients’ quality of life.