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Overview, Procedure, and Recovery
What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight-loss procedure primarily for individuals who are morbidly obese. During the procedure, around 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped stomach. This helps limit food intake, promote early feelings of fullness, and ultimately leads to significant weight loss. It is often recommended when non-surgical methods, like dieting and exercise, have not been effective in managing obesity.
This surgery is a solution for those struggling with obesity and related health conditions, including:
Stomach
Sleeve gastrectomy is typically considered for individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) who have not had success with weight loss through diet and exercise. Before the procedure, patients are usually required to follow a strict lean, protein-based diet that eliminates calories, carbohydrates, caffeine, alcohol, and other substances for two weeks. Common pre-surgery tests include:
Sleeve gastrectomy is a laparoscopic surgery, meaning it is performed through several small incisions in the upper abdomen. The patient is under general anesthesia during the procedure. The surgeon uses cameras and specialized instruments to remove approximately three-quarters of the stomach, leaving behind a small, banana-shaped stomach that restricts food intake. The excised portion of the stomach is removed, and the new, smaller stomach is stapled into place. This results in a smaller stomach that causes the patient to feel full after consuming much smaller portions of food.
After the surgery, the new stomach sleeve restricts food intake, and patients will feel full after eating only a small amount. Recovery time varies, but within one month, most patients can return to a regular diet. However, the new stomach will only hold about half a cup of food, so it’s important to eat smaller, healthier meals. Foods that should be avoided or minimized include sugar, caffeine, processed foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and smoking.
Adopting a new lifestyle and making healthy food choices is critical to maintaining the weight loss achieved from the surgery. Most patients experience significant weight loss, often losing a substantial portion of their excess body weight.
Post-surgery, the diet gradually progresses, starting with clear, non-caffeinated, non-carbonated liquids for the first week. For the following three weeks, patients will eat pureed, easily digestible foods. By four weeks after surgery, patients can return to regular foods. To support nutritional needs, patients will be required to take daily multivitamins and calcium supplements and receive monthly vitamin B-12 injections for life. Fruits and vegetables should be incorporated into the diet after the first month.
Frequent medical check-ups are essential during the first few months following surgery to monitor health and ensure proper recovery. Blood tests may also be required to check nutrient levels.
While sleeve gastrectomy can lead to significant weight loss, the rapid weight loss in the first few months may cause side effects such as:
Patients should follow their doctor’s advice regarding diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes to ensure optimal recovery and long-term health.