Laproscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: What Is It? Best Guide
Do you want to learn more about the gastric sleeve? Today we will be sharing what exactly is the laproscopic sleeve gastrectomy and how it can help with weight loss.
Contents
What Is Laproscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss Surgery?
A sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery which you can have done when your body mass index is greater than 40, and you need to lose over 100 lbs or more.
This weight loss surgery usually takes about one hour. A few cuts will be made in your stomach by the surgeon where they will insert a laparoscope.
This tool is basically a mini camera that will allow the surgeon to see inside of your body and the tools will be sent through the incision during this process.
Once the tools are inserted, the surgeon will cut about ¾ of your stomach.
Lastly, the surgeon then reattaches the remainder of your stomach so that it forms a tube or sleeve-like appearance, hence why this weight loss surgery is referred to as a sleeve gastrectomy.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Recovery?
You may have to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days after your weight loss surgery has been completed. The first day after your sleeve gastrectomy you’ll only be allowed clear liquids.
The hospital staff will assist in getting you to the point of eating pureed foods and protein shakes by the time you leave the hospital.
Once you’re ready to go home, you’ll be eating only pureed foods and protein shakes for about four weeks.
You will have to work yourself into a habit of changing eating options for the rest of your life after you’ve had the sleeve gastrectomy completed. You can read more about the eating following weight loss surgery here!
What to Expect Later on after Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Following the pureed food stage of your diet, you will move onto a soft foods diet and eventually solid foods. It will take about 2 or 3 months before you can start to eat regular meals.
You will have to drink 30 minutes before or after eating so that you don’t overfill your smaller stomach which could cause pain.
In time, you’ll learn how much food you can eat at one time without filling up your smaller stomach too much.
Taking a vitamins and supplements each day will be recommended to ensure that your body is getting its necessary nutrients after a sleeve gastrectomy.
You can expect to lose around 60% of your extra weight over a 12 to 18 month period. After that, your weight loss will be less frequent as your body is now used to its smaller stomach and new eating habits.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Risks
While there is always some risk with surgery, there are only a few things to watch out for after having this weight loss surgery done.
The risks included for a sleeve gastrectomy are an infection, bleeding, and in rare cases, you could have a leak in the staples that were put in your stomach.
Immediately after the weight loss surgery, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
You will find that you feel much lighter and in time will learn what foods cooperate best with your smaller stomach after having this sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery done. Also be sure to speak to a qualified doctor for the best advice.
Gastric Sleeve Vs Gastric Bypass
When it comes to choosing the right weight loss surgery option there is a lot to consider. One important thing to consider is the cost.
The gastric sleeve is often a little less expensive than the gastric bypass, but your insurance coverage may vary. It is important to talk with your doctor and research your options before making a decision.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the potential risks associated with each procedure and how they might impact you physically and mentally.
Ultimately, weight loss surgery is not a one-size fits all approach and it’s best to work together with your doctor and nutritionist to select the best option for you. Be sure to ask lots of questions and be an informed patient!
It is also important to remember that, even with successful weight loss surgery, you may not achieve all of your desired results. While many people experience significant weight loss after surgery, there are still lifestyle changes that need to be made to ensure that the results are long-term.
This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your weight closely. Additionally, follow-up care is key for ensuring the best possible outcome from any bariatric surgery procedure. It is important to attend regular appointments with your doctor or surgeon and to adhere to all of their recommendations in order to maintain optimal health.
