Today there are many bariatric treatment methods with high success rates. Gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass and gastric balloon operation are the most preferred and sustainable methods. These methods are divided into two as surgical and non-surgical. The most preferred bariatric surgery methods are sleeve gastrectomy (also known as gastric sleeve surgery and vertical gastrectomy) and gastric bypass. In recent years, gastric balloon operation also can be preferred as a non-surgical bariatric treatment method. In our clinic, we first conduct a detailed consultation to get to know you and learn about your complaints. Then we decide on the most suitable obesity treatment method for you with comprehensive tests and analyzes.
What is a gastric sleeve weight loss surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric surgery performed on obese patients who require significant weight loss in order to regain health. The main idea behind gastric sleeve is to remove 70-80% of the stomach. The small pouch that remains is shaped like a sleeve.
The goal of sleeve gastrectomy appears to be to limit the amount of food that can be held in the stomach. All functions, including the stomach’s digestive function, are preserved. The surgery is performed laparoscopically, which means that the surgeon views the inside of the abdomen with a small video camera (called a laparoscope). To begin, a surgeon makes 5-6 small incisions in the abdomen through which the long narrow instruments are inserted. A surgeon performs the procedure using these instruments and a laparoscope. The operated area is also cleared and inflated by introducing harmless CO₂ gas, allowing a surgeon to perform the surgery.
Gastric sleeve surgery itself does not make a person slim. It is only the first, yet milestone, stage. After the stomach is reduced, a patient is able to eat an amazingly small amount of food to be full and it causes a rapid, fast and effective weight loss.
How does sleeve gastrecomy work?
Like any bariatric stomach surgery, gastric sleeve surgery causes weight loss. There are three main aspects showing how does the gastric sleeve surgery work.
- reduction of a stomach volume, which makes that patients are full after a tiny meal and physically are not able to eat more;
- the stomach motility is increased, thanks to which food passes the stomach and intestine smoothly and quick;
- the change of hormonal receptor responsible for hunger (after the surgery, the secretion of a hunger hormone called ghrelin is reduced, thanks to which patients feel much less hungry and their appetite is suppressed)
Who is gastric sleeve surgery suitable for?
If your body mass index is between 35 and 40 and you have obesity-related diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, it may be appropriate for you to have sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
Why is gastric sleeve surgery done?
The purpose of sleeve gastrectomy surgery is to reduce the volume of the stomach and limit food and fluid intake.
Is there any change in taste after sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
No. After sleeve gastrectomy, all functions of your stomach, including taste, are preserved as before.
Is gastric sleeve surgery a permanent procedure?
Yes. This procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach. So it is irreversible. The procedure is usually done laparoscopically. It is made by making 5-6 incisions in the abdomen. With the help of these incisions, the surgeon performs the operation with a small surgical camera called a laparoscope.
What is the biggest advantage of having sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
Patients report that they were less hungry after the surgery. Of course, the biggest reason for this is that the stomach volume has been reduced. Thus, the patient feels full faster by eating less. As the food passes through the stomach and intestines more easily and quickly, the gastric motility is accelerated. After gastric sleeve surgery, the secretion of the hunger hormone called ghrelin also slows down. In this way, those who have surgery feel less hungry.
Is there any dilation in the stomach after sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
There may be some dilation or stretching of the stomach in the future. In the next stages, you should follow the instructions of your doctor/the other health professionals and follow the life habits that are healthy for you.
What are the additional benefits of sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
Undesirable effects such as vitamin and protein deficiency that may develop after sleeve gastrectomy are minimized. The risk of intestinal obstruction is also very low.
Obesity is not just a condition that increases the volume of our body. Bariatric operations also have great benefits, such as helping to prevent or treat serious diseases that can develop due to excess weight. If you continue this process with devotion, you will reduce the risks of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and heart attack.
How long will I stay in the hospital after sleeve gastrectomy?
The duration of the laparoscopic operation is approximately 45-60 minutes. The hospital stay is between 2-3 days.
What is the recovery process like after sleeve gastrectomy?
Within 24 hours after sleeve gastrectomy surgery, you will consume liquid foods allowed by your doctor in the hospital. The full recovery period is about 3-4 weeks. Solid food should not be taken within 5-6 weeks following the operation. If you follow the diet prepared by your doctor and experts, you will start a healthy weight loss process. During this period, protein and vitamin supplements suitable for your body will also be given.
How much weight is lost after sleeve gastrectomy?
It depends on your diet and how well you adhere to healthy living conditions. When you do everything right, you are likely to lose about 60-70% of weight in a year.
Is it possible to regain weight after sleeve gastrectomy?
No matter what type of bariatric surgery you have, there is a certain risk of weight gain, especially if you do not comply with your diet and healthy living conditions. This rate is around 30% in sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
How soon after sleeve gastrectomy can I return to my daily life?
Under normal circumstances, you can walk with support within a few hours immediately after surgery. When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be able to meet your essential personal needs. You will be able to sit and work in about 1-2 weeks. You will start to feel better in a few weeks. Healing of laparoscopic wounds takes approximately 2-3 weeks, and complete healing of abdominal incisions takes between 6-8 weeks.
Is there an age limit for sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
It would not be correct to give a definite answer to this, but the common view is that morbidly obese people between the ages of 18-65 can have sleeve gastrectomy, with exceptions. Parental consent, different specialist controls and opinions should be obtained for underage and older patients to have sleeve gastrectomy surgery. You can contact us to determine the most suitable bariatric operation for you.