Introduction

If you've been struggling to lose weight and are considering gastric sleeve surgery, this comprehensive guide will take you through the entire process. From the requirements and preparations before surgery to the actual procedure, recovery, and long-term care, we've got you covered. Learn more about the benefits and potential risks of gastric sleeve surgery to make an informed decision for your weight loss journey.

Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Meeting the Requirements for Surgery

• To qualify for gastric sleeve surgery, you must meet specific criteria:

• Prove previous unsuccessful attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise.

• Participate in a medically supervised weight loss plan for three to six months before insurance approval.

• Be both physically and mentally prepared for the surgery and recovery process. This involves counselling and screening by a team of dietitians, psychologists, and medical specialists.

Pre-Surgery: Liquid Diet and Fasting

Once you pass the health screening, you'll be required to follow a two-week liquid diet to lose abdominal and liver fat, making the surgery safer. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines to follow. Additionally, you must not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before the operation to ensure an empty stomach and prevent complications.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery: The Procedure

Performing the Surgery: Laparoscopic vs. Open Approach

Gastric sleeve surgery is typically performed using a laparoscopic or robotic approach, involving small incisions rather than a large one. This results in an easier recovery, although some patients may require open surgery depending on their circumstances.

Steps During Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• You'll be given general anaesthesia and will be asleep during the procedure.

• A small cut will be made in your abdomen, through which a port is inserted, and your abdomen is expanded with carbon dioxide gas.

• A laparoscope (a small lighted video camera) is placed through the port, projecting your insides onto a screen.

• Additional ports are inserted through one to three more incisions, and the procedure is completed using long, narrow tools.

• The gastric sleeve is measured out, and the remainder of your stomach is divided and separated using a surgical stapler.

• The excess stomach is removed, and your incisions are closed.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Duration

A sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively short and simple operation, taking about 60 to 90 minutes. A one to two-day hospital stay is typical for post-op pain management and monitoring of temporary side effects, such as nausea.

Post-Operative Care and Lifestyle Changes

Frequent Check-Ups and Monitoring

In the weeks and months following surgery, you'll have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor weight loss progress, related health conditions, and any side effects. They will also ensure you are adhering to the necessary lifestyle guidelines to maintain your health and weight loss.

Post-Surgery Diet and Nutritional Supplements

You'll need to follow strict dietary guidelines in the short term to ensure proper stomach healing. After a few months, a more normal diet can be resumed, with a focus on nutritious food choices due to reduced eating capacity. Vitamins will be prescribed shortly after gastric sleeve surgery, and their intake must be maintained permanently.

Recovery and Outlook

Recovery Time from Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Expect a recovery period of approximately one month before feeling like yourself or returning to work at full capacity. Fatigue or tiredness is common during this time, as your body recovers and adapts to a limited calorie intake. Initially, you'll be on a liquid diet, transitioning to a soft diet, and eventually solid foods.

Expected Weight Loss with Gastric Sleeve Surgery

On average, you can anticipate losing 25% to 30% of your body weight within the first one to two years post-surgery. For example, if you weighed 136 kg (300 lbs) before surgery, you'd lose around 45 kg (100 lbs). The actual weight loss varies, depending on post-surgery lifestyle habits. Some individuals may regain some weight; however, an overall average weight loss of 25% to 30% remains consistent over five years.

Dealing with Unsuccessful Weight Loss

Although uncommon, some patients may regain lost weight due to a return to old habits or stomach stretching over time. In such cases, gastric sleeve revision surgery can be considered. Your surgeon may repair the original gastric sleeve or convert it to another weight loss procedure with stronger results, such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch.

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