Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most commonly used methods in bariatric surgery. The goal of sleeve gastrectomy is to turn the stomach into a tube (pipe) through a surgical procedure. During sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is turned into a thin long tube that looks like a banana. With the laparoscopic method, which is a closed surgery method, 80% of the stomach is cut out. This severely restricts the stomach’s food intake.
Gastric sleeve gastrectomy, commonly known as stomach reduction surgery, has the effect of reducing food intake. Thanks to the surgery, insulin resistance is eliminated in patients whose appetite is reduced, even before weight loss.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a newer method than gastric bypass or gastric band applications. It is generally preferred in patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 and above or in patients with a BMI of 35 and above in the presence of other obesity-related health problems. In addition, sleeve gastrectomy can also be applied in cases where other methods for weight loss have failed.
Who Can Have Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Today, sleeve gastrectomy surgery stands out among the surgical techniques applied for morbidly obese patients. Gastric sleeve surgery is among the most appropriate treatment methods for advanced obesity patients with a body mass index higher than 40 kg/m2 and referred to as super obese. Also, some people who want to have sleeve gastrectomy surgery even though their body mass index is less than 50 kg/m2 can also undergo the operation depending on the doctor’s approval.
Almost all patients who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy surgery state that they get rid of approximately 80% of their weight within the first 1 year after the operation. The rate of complications related to surgery has been reported to be only 1.5%. Accordingly, sleeve gastrectomy has been recognized as one of the safe methods for all patients with obesity problems.
Positive Health Effects of Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy
Weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy has a positive impact not only on a person’s physical appearance but also on their state of health. Many diseases that can occur due to obesity may improve or become less severe after sleeve gastrectomy. Some of these are as follows:
- Type 2 Diabetes: After sleeve gastrectomy, the blood sugar levels of Type 2 diabetics can be better controlled and some patients’ medication use can be reduced or stopped altogether.
- High blood pressure: After sleeve gastrectomy, the blood pressure of patients with high blood pressure can normalize and the use of medication can be reduced or stopped altogether.
- Sleep apnea: After sleeve gastrectomy, the symptoms of sleep apnea patients may be alleviated or disappear completely.
- Cardiac disorders: After sleeve gastrectomy, patients with heart disease may have improved heart function and reduced risk of heart attack or stroke.
When and How Much Weight Can Be Lost With Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy?
After sleeve gastrectomy, weight loss starts rapidly and the targeted weight is reached within the first 12-18 months. However, regular exercise and healthy eating habits should be maintained after this process. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also recommended in the postoperative period.
The weight loss process of the person varies depending on the preoperative weight status and postoperative eating habits. However, there is usually rapid weight loss in the first 6 months and then weight loss slows down. In the first 1 year, weight loss of people after sleeve gastrectomy can usually range from 70% to 80% of excess weight.
Weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy cannot be achieved only by changing postoperative eating habits. To achieve a long-lasting and healthy weight loss, diet and exercise are important in the postoperative period. A low-calorie and high-protein diet prescribed by a dietitian helps support weight loss after surgery. However, in addition to the diet recommended by the dietitian, exercise is also important. Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and helps the body burn fat.
How is Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Performed?
General anesthesia is applied during sleeve gastrectomy surgery. The stages of surgery are mainly as follows:
- The surgery is almost always performed using a closed method called laparoscopy. Depending on what the surgeon decides is appropriate for the patient, surgery is performed through a single hole, 4-5 holes or with a robot. The fact that the holes are very small (the smallest is 1.5 cm) ensures that patients do not have aesthetic problems in the future.
- A calibration tube the diameter of the esophagus is inserted into the entrance of the stomach to prevent a mistake during the operation and to make the stomach smaller than it should be. Thanks to this tube, the stomach is reduced in size as a continuation of the esophagus and is protected from obstruction and excessive stenosis problems.
- After taking the necessary precautions against the risks of bleeding and vascularization, the stomach is cut through with special cutting and closing instruments (stopler).
- After the operation is completed, the calibration tube placed in the stomach at the very beginning of the operation is removed.
- During the operation, one or more techniques are used to test for leakage. Depending on the situation, these tests can also be performed after surgery.
Does Surgery Have Risks?
Gastric sleeve surgery, like other bariatric surgery procedures, is a risky procedure and possible complications may occur in the postoperative period. These include serious problems such as bleeding, infection, stomach rupture and obstruction. However, such complications are rare and the risk can be further reduced, especially when performed by experienced and specialized surgeons.
Sleeve gastrectomy may be an option for people with obesity and obesity-related health problems. However, since it is not a suitable method for every person, a health specialist should be consulted before surgery.
Recovery Process After Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy
After sleeve gastrectomy, patients are usually hospitalized for 1-2 days and then sent home. For the first few days, patients are fed liquid foods and then they gradually move on to solid foods. During the first few weeks, patients are advised to eat only small meals and to eat slowly.
What Should Be Paid Attention to After Surgery?
After sleeve gastrectomy, patients should pay attention to their diet. Some postoperative complications should also be taken into account. These include bleeding, infection, stomach ulcers, anemia, vitamin deficiency and long-term weight control.
After sleeve gastrectomy, people experience significant weight loss and improvement of other obesity-related health problems. However, diet and lifestyle changes should also be made in the postoperative period. A diet program starting with liquid foods is applied for the first few weeks after surgery. In this process, solid foods are gradually introduced and a nutrition program is planned according to the body’s needs.
Nutrition After Surgery
Nutrition after sleeve gastrectomy is very important for the success of the surgery and healthy weight loss. In the first weeks after surgery, only liquid foods should be consumed. These include liquid foods such as soup, water, milk, yogurt, fruit juices and tea. After the first week, you can eat pureed foods if recommended by the doctor. During this period, fiber foods, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol and drinks containing caffeine should be avoided.
A low-calorie, protein-rich diet prepared by a dietitian should be followed for the first 6 months after surgery. Adequate protein intake during this period is crucial for healthy weight loss and to prevent muscle loss. Adequate fluid consumption should also be ensured.
After 6 months following surgery, patients can gradually start eating solid foods. However, it is still important to eat slowly, in small portions. Carbohydrate and fat intake should also be limited. During this period, adequate protein and fluid consumption should also be ensured.
You should make your nutrition plan after sleeve gastrectomy surgery with a dietician who will regularly check and counsel you before and after surgery.
June 3, 2023
