A gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of bariatric surgery performed with the aim of inducing weight loss in individuals struggling with obesity. The term ‘gastric’ relates to the stomach, and ‘sleeve’ refers to the new shape of the stomach after the surgery. It’s a procedure that restricts the amount of consumed food by reducing the size of the stomach, thereby inducing a feeling of fullness even after consuming significantly less food than usual. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what a gastric sleeve surgery entails.
Overview of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
A gastric sleeve procedure involves removing about 75-80% of the stomach. What is left is a slim tube or ‘sleeve’ that serves as the new stomach. This sleeve is about the size of a banana. Consequently, the patient’s stomach size is significantly reduced, limiting the amount of food one can consume, and leading to weight loss.
The surgery is usually performed using a method known as laparoscopy, where tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, through which the surgeon inserts a small camera and the instruments needed for the surgery. It provides the dual benefits of lesser postoperative pain and quicker recovery time.
Benefits and Side-Effects
Like all major surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy has both benefits and risk factors. The most significant advantage is substantial weight loss. Many patients lose up to 50-60% of their excessive weight within two years of surgery. This weight loss can lead to a significant improvement in obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.
However, risks and side effects associated with this procedure include infection, bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, and less commonly, leaks from the sleeve resulting in sepsis. Long-term follow-ups and adherence to dietary recommendations are crucial to mitigate these risks.
Weight Loss Surgery Revision
Sometimes, patients may not achieve their desired weight loss goals after undergoing a gastric sleeve surgery, or they may experience complications associated with the procedure. In such cases, a weight loss surgery revision may be necessary. This procedure involves revising, adjusting, or converting the initial bariatric surgery to achieve the desired results.
A ‘revisional surgery’ is generally considered more complex than the initial bariatric surgery due to the presence of scar tissues from the previous operation and changes in the anatomy. It requires a highly skilled and experienced surgeon. Despite the complexity, in many cases, it is crucial for health improvement and achieving optimal weight loss results.
Who Should Consider a Gastric Sleeve?
A gastric sleeve surgery is an option for individuals who have not been successful in losing weight through diet and exercise alone. Generally, it’s recommended for those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. It could also be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and serious obesity-related health problems. However, the decision should be made carefully after consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Gastric sleeve surgery is a prevalent weight-loss surgery associated with significant benefits as well as risks. For candidates who are struggling with severe obesity and related health conditions, it can be a life-changing procedure. However, it is not a cure-all, and patients must commit to significant lifestyle changes, particularly in terms of diet and exercise. A careful consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the suitability of this procedure and potential need for a weight loss surgery revision.