A gastric sleeve procedure is a type of weight-loss surgery for obese patients, also called a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It reduces the size of your stomach to about 80% to limit food intake and leads to rapid weight loss and long-term weight loss. It is less invasive than biliopancreatic diversion or gastric bypass surgery as it focuses on surgical intervention on the stomach only, not the intestine, and uses small cuts in a laparoscopic surgery.
How Long Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Take?
Your bariatric surgeon will give you general anesthesia to perform the laparoscopic technique (small incisions and a camera). The entire surgery itself usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
After the surgery, a short-term hospital stay of 1 to 2 days is required to properly deliver pain medication, mitigate side effects, and monitor patients for potential risks like blood clots or acid reflux. Like any surgery there are potential risks, but according to Cleveland Clinic, complications occur in less than 1% of gastric sleeve operations making this an incredibly safe surgery.
Dietary Guidelines During Recovery
Post-operatively, you will have to give yourself some time to get adjusted to the lifestyle changes. The fewer calories and shifted eating habits can lead patients to feel fatigued.
It is critical to start with clear liquids and progress to pureed foods as you recover. Then you can introduce soft foods as you gradually get better. It is important to follow a healthy diet to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies and meet your weight loss goals. Following up with your healthcare team is paramount with follow-up visits.
Health Benefits of This Weight Loss Procedure
While it may take you a bit of time to get adjusted to your new lifestyle, the health benefits are worth it. Gastric sleeve surgery dramatically helps patients shed excess body weight. With it, obesity-related conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease improve, as well as alleviating gastroesophageal reflux and other digestive system issues that may have impacted patients previously.
Next Steps
The importance of choosing an experienced bariatric surgeon should not be underestimated. Success relies on long-term lifestyle changes and following dietary guidelines and a commitment to collaboratively work with your healthcare team for success.
Long-term success depends on a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, regular physical activity, behavioral modifications, and ongoing medical support.
Ready to take the first step towards a healthier you? Our team at Torrance Bariatrics is here to explore all your options and support your unique journey to meet your weight loss goals. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.
