What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

If you or a loved one are considering bariatric surgery, it is wise to know and understand all your options. Since 2010, Gastric Sleeve has become the fastest growing bariatric surgical procedure. Both insurance companies and doctors appreciate the benefits and low-risks of this procedure developed to aid patients in losing excess weight, so they can live a healthier, active life.

What is the procedure?

Gastric sleeve is a laproscopic procedure in which your surgeon makes a vertical excision that removes a portion of your stomach. This leaves behind a narrow portion known as the sleeve. By removing a portion of your stomach, the hunger hormone is actually suppressed, which is why gastric sleeve is such an effective surgery. No foreign body is inserted, and there is usually no need for a follow-up procedure, which reduces your overall healthcare cost.

What about hospital stays and recovery time?

The procedure is quick and can be done as an outpatient surgery, enabling you to go home the same day. Some patients may stay overnight in the hospital, but rarely longer.

It is important that you prep your body for this surgery by following the pre-op diet of liquids and extremely reduced portion sizes prior to surgery. Also, following surgery it is important that you hydrate, take your medications and vitamin supplements, as well as begin incorporating light activity such as walking.

Most patients return to work 2-6 weeks post-surgery.

As you recover, your dietary changes will be most significant.

• 1-2 days post-op take clear liquids only
• 1-3 weeks post-op pureed foods
• 4 weeks post-op soft foods
• 5 weeks and on begin introducing regular foods in small amounts
• keep a journal to determine what you can and cannot tolerate

What amount of weight loss is expected?

Most gastric sleeve patients lose 60-80% of excess body weight. This happens rapidly with the majority of your weight being lost within the first year post-surgery. Weight loss can be expected up to two years after the procedure. By then you should have reached your target weight and will be able to maintain through your new lifestyle choices of smaller portions and exercise.

Because gastric sleeve restricts the amount of food you can consume, it is an effective and long-term choice for weight loss in those who are morbidly obese.

What problems may occur?

To date, there are no long-term side-effects or complications from gastric sleeve surgery. Less than 1% of patients experience post-op complications such as a blood clots. The most common problem that arises is a staple line leak, however Dr. Fass inverts his sleeve incision to avoid this complication.

Gastric sleeve carries less risk of infection than other bariatric procedures. It also reduces your risk of nutritional deficiencies since a portion of your stomach remains to absorb necessary nutrients.

Common and temporary side-effects are hair loss and mood swings. Expect changes to your emotional well-being and hormones since your body is undergoing such a massive change in a quick amount of time.

The bottom line…

Gastric sleeve is a safe, effective procedure that will help you lose weight and develop a healthy lifestyle.

Have more questions? Check out this great resource or give our office a call. We’d love to assist you!