Obesity is one of the most prevalent health issues today and is at the root of many chronic diseases. Diet and exercise often fall short in combating obesity. At this point, sleeve gastrectomy stands out as an effective surgical solution. At HealthPoint Clinic, we share all the details you need to know about sleeve gastrectomy in this blog post.
What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure where a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. This reduces the stomach capacity, allowing the patient to feel full with less food. The surgery is typically performed using a laparoscopic method, which is minimally invasive.
Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Weight Loss: Patients lose a significant amount of weight in the first six months post-surgery. On average, 60-70% of excess weight is lost.
- Improvement in Chronic Diseases: There are significant improvements in diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
- Change in Eating Habits: Reduced stomach capacity helps patients feel full with less food, supporting long-term weight control.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: The laparoscopic method results in a quicker and less painful recovery process.
Who is a Candidate for Sleeve Gastrectomy?
- BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 and above: Patients diagnosed with morbid obesity.
- BMI of 35-40 with obesity-related diseases: Such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
- Individuals unable to lose weight through diet and exercise: Patients who have not succeeded in losing weight despite their efforts.
- Patients with suitable health conditions for surgery: Individuals whose general health allows for surgical intervention.
Pre- and Post-Operative Process
Pre-Operative:
- Detailed Evaluation: The patient is assessed by a multidisciplinary team including a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and anesthesiologist.
- Preparation Process: A specific diet and exercise program is provided to the patient before surgery.
- Information: The patient is informed about the surgical process, risks, and expected outcomes in detail.
Post-Operative:
- Hospital Stay: The patient usually stays in the hospital for 2-3 days after the surgery.
- Diet and Nutrition: The patient starts with a liquid diet for the first few weeks, gradually transitioning to solid foods. A dietitian helps the patient develop healthy eating habits.
- Follow-Up: Regular check-ups are conducted to monitor the patient’s progress. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed.
- Lifestyle Changes: Long-term success after surgery depends on adopting healthy lifestyle changes. Regular exercise and balanced nutrition are key to maintaining weight loss.
Risks and Complications of Sleeve Gastrectomy
Like any surgical intervention, sleeve gastrectomy comes with some risks and potential complications:
- Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding: Risk of bleeding during or after the surgery.
- Leakage: Risk of leakage from the staple line in the stomach.
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies: Reduced stomach size may lead to decreased absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Sleeve gastrectomy offers an effective and long-term solution for obesity. However, for the surgery to be successful, patients must adopt healthy lifestyle habits post-surgery. At HealthPoint Clinic, we are here to support you with our expertise in sleeve gastrectomy and obesity treatment. Contact us for more information.
