What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery? Sleeve gastrectomy, sometimes also referred to as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of weight loss surgery. This procedure is performed laparoscopically, which means that it involves the insertion of small organs through incisions in the upper abdomen. This type of surgery removes about 80 percent of the stomach, leaving about 15 percent of the stomach – about the size and shape of a banana. What is gastric sleeve surgery? We have prepared a long article to give a detailed answer to the question.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Weight loss surgery – also known as bariatric surgery – can be an option when lifestyle changes or weight loss medications for obesity fail to do the job. Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most common types of weight-loss surgeries today.
- Gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, accounts for more than 60 percent of bariatric surgeries.
- A sleeve gastrectomy procedure limits the amount of food you can consume and triggers a hormonal change that helps patients lose weight and reduce the risk of other potentially life-threatening health problems.
- The procedure is designed to benefit people who need to lose a lot of weight and have related health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. This surgery can help people who are severely overweight and have serious obesity-related health problems.
How Does The Gastric Sleeve Work?
In the gastric sleeve, surgeons remove up to 80 percent of the stomach. The rest of the stomach is shaped into a sleeve that looks like a tube. The smaller stomach can hold only about two ounces of food at a time. An average stomach can hold up to two liters.
The procedure also removes parts of the stomach that produce hunger-related hormones. After surgery, patients tend to feel full or less hungry between meals.
Generally, in the first six months to a year after surgery, about two-thirds of the total weight will be lost if patients follow their doctor’s instructions.
What To Expect From A Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a common and quick procedure. Some important things that patients should know before undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy include:
- Sleeve gastrectomy is generally considered a faster surgery that requires only 1-2 days in the hospital.
- Patients have to wait 1-2 weeks from work to recover at home after surgery.
- Consumption after surgery requires portion control. Your doctor can give you a better idea of the portion sizes you should consume after a sleeve gastrectomy.
- Patients can expect to lose anywhere between 55 and 70 percent of their body weight within two years after a sleeve gastrectomy.
After sleeve gastrectomy surgery
Sleeve gastrectomy is a lifelong commitment. To make the most of your life, we will support you with follow-up appointments with your doctor, nurse, health behavior specialist, exercise specialist, and dietitian on a long-term basis. Generally, appointments are more common in the first year after surgery and are longer, but remain consistent, in years 1-5.
We will also help you develop eating habits and fitness to maintain long-term weight loss.
Is gastric sleeve surgery safe?
Studies have shown that the gastric sleeve is a safe procedure. However, like all major surgeries, there can be risks and complications. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, gastric sleeve surgery is not reversible.
If you have been approved for gastric sleeve surgery, you will work with your care team to ensure you are healthy enough for the surgery and to develop a plan to achieve and maintain your target weight.
Bariatric surgeons use the latter with minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques. On the gastric sleeve, surgeons make a few small incisions, resulting in less pain. Patients spend less time in the hospital, experience fewer complications and shorter recovery time.
Who Is A Candidate For A Gastric Sleeve?
Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are carefully selected.
- Body mass index (BMI) over 40 (100 kg or more above your ideal weight)
- BMI between 35 and 39.9 and a serious health problem associated with obesity (type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, severe sleep apnea)
- I could not lose weight by changing my diet and habits or taking medication
Advantages and disadvantages of surgical gastrectomy
For patients who have many health risks, sleeve gastrectomy surgery is safe and offers many benefits, such as:
- Lower risk of ulcers compared to gastric bypass
- The openings remain intact, so normal digestion occurs
- Decreased stimuli in the brain indicating hunger from the hormone ghrelin
- The body is free of foreign objects, in contrast to LAP-BAND surgery
However, as with any surgery or anesthesia, there are always some risks, such as:
- Blood clots, blockages, or leaks
- Intestinal obstruction
- Hernia, holes, or sores
- Gallstones and gallbladder disease
- Nausea or vomiting from certain foods
- If you eat too much, the smaller part of the stomach may stretch
Our world-renowned staff is dedicated to making your sleeve gastrectomy experience as comfortable and safe as possible. We are here to help you live your healthiest and happiest life.
Health Management After The Gastric Sleeve
The best candidates are motivated and remain well informed. They are willing to participate in the follow-up of long-term care. They are ready to make significant lifestyle changes, such as better eating habits and exercise habits, to achieve long-term success.
Gastric sleeve surgery is not a magic bullet. People who have undergone the procedure still need to exercise and eat properly. Ultimately, the reward for losing weight improves overall health.
Anyone interested in gastric sleeve surgery should talk to their doctor and ask lots of questions to see if they qualify for this procedure and if it is a safe choice for them.
Why Our Clinic?
What is gastric sleeve surgery, how many pounds can I lose with this surgery? Our clinic is a resource for people struggling with weight loss as they have little or no success through traditional diet or exercise. We offer the latest surgical and medical weight loss solutions. Nutritional and behavioral counseling, individual and team support, and ongoing monitoring to help you succeed.
Have You Been Wondering Does Insurance Pay for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Are you wondering, “does insurance pay for gastric sleeve surgery?”. Gastric sleeve surgery is a major surgery for weight loss procedure. It involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach, resulting in a smaller stomach size. The answer to the aformentioned question depends on your individual health insurance plan. Some health insurance plans do cover gastric sleeve surgery, while others may not. Check with your insurance provider to find out what is covered and what is not. If your health insurance does cover gastric sleeve surgery, you may still need to meet certain criteria before you can qualify for coverage.
If your health insurance does not cover gastric sleeve surgery, there are other options available. Some patients may be able to get coverage through Medicare or Medicaid, while others may be able to finance their surgery through loans or other financing options. Additionally, some doctors offer payment plans that allow patients to pay for their surgery over time, making it more affordable. Before making any decisions, go over the pros and cons of weight loss surgery. More importantly, before agreeing to the procedure, make sure to find out, “does insurance pay for gastric sleeve surgery?”
