Gastric Sleeve Surgery – A Boon To Obese People
Gastric Sleeve surgery is a relatively new weight loss surgery also technically known as gastric sleeve resection, sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. It is a part of the duodenal operation and involves removing the 2/3rds of the lateral side of the stomach with a stapler-like device. It is also a keyhole surgery but is not reversible. It basically transforms a stomach sack into a stomach sack.
The gastric sleeve surgery promotes weight loss by reducing the stomach’s size permanently and thereby restricting the consumption of food. The surgery is the first part of a two stage procedure where the surgeon removes three-quarters of the stomach along the outside curve of the stomach. The new belly takes the shape of a narrow tube which runs along from the esophagus to the small intestine. The reason why the surgery is done in 2 parts is to make it safer for obese patients with a BMI of over 60.
The first gastric sleeve surgery took place in 2002 in England and has since been gaining worldwide attention as an effective and safe bariatric procedure. During gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon removes about 60-80% of the stomach leaving a small tube for the new stomach sack .The hunger hormone GHRELIN that creates hunger in people, slows metabolism and decreases the body’s ability to burn fat is removed during the surgery. When the hunger inducing hormone is removed, the appetite is curbed and therefore the patient feels less hungry.
Benefits of gastric sleeve surgery include: The surgery does not involve implanting a medical or foreign device into the body in order to curb eating. The small intestine is left intact with and hence involves fewer complications. Patients with complex medical conditions can safely undertake the surgery. Post surgery, additional nutritional supplements are not needed. Visible positive differences are seen within a year of the surgery. It is a boon for patients with high BMI. Does not restrict intake of normal food soon after surgery. Dumping syndrome does not occur.
Disadvantages of gastric sleeve surgery Overall weight loss is lesser than other surgeries and the surgery is irreversible because a part of the stomach is permanently removed. The stomach pouch may eventually stretch in the long run. Insurance companies usually do not cover gastric sleeve surgery. The surgery is still in the experimental stage though many patients have achieved favorable results.
The surgery takes about 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Recovery time may last a few weeks and pain medication may be prescribed for discomfort. The abdomen remains swollen and sore for few weeks and some scarring may be visible. You will need to stay on liquid diet for 2 weeks and thereafter 2 weeks of semi solid pureed food.
Usually after the surgery, an overall many patients notice an improvement in their medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and blood pressure. Of course, weight loss is on ongoing process and the gastric sleeve surgery is only a step towards promoting weight loss and it is in the hands of the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle thereafter.
Learn more about theGastric Sleeve Surgery. Stop by Jessica Sharpe’s site where you can find out all about Gastric Sleeve Surgery and what it can do for you.