Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Sleeve has become a popular choice for weight loss in a simple procedure, as the recovery period is short and the patient can get back to his/her daily routine within a few days.
Gastric Sleeve is suitable for all patients except those with severe acid reflux and those whose obesity is a result of excess sugar intake.
How It Works
Gastric Sleeve is performed using a laparoscope. The surgeon makes 4-5 laparoscopic openings of a maximum 1 cm. Then, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving 20% the shape of a tube or “sleeve” which holds 100-150 ml of food.
The procedure takes around 20 to 45 minutes. The patient is discharged after two nights and the full recovery takes a week.
Advantages
- The patient loses 80% of the excess weight
- Up to 70% lower blood sugar, up to 80% lower blood pressure, and up to 90% lower cholesterol levels
- Highly safe and does not affect stomach functions
- The hunger-inducing hormone is reduced by removing the part of the stomach responsible for its production
- The recovery period is short and the patient can get back to his/her daily routine within a week
Side Effects
20% of the patients who undergo the Gastric Sleeve surgery are likely to suffer from acid reflux and heartburn; however, these side effects fade within two years.
Cautions
Like every other procedure, the Gastric Sleeve requires thorough understanding by the patient, and its success highly depends on the patient’s will to make a difference and change his/her eating habits, especially avoiding sweets, sodas, and chips.
Recovery
- The patient should have regular meals while reducing fat and carbohydrate intake
- The patient should ensure that he/she drinks not less than 6 glasses of fluids a day
- The patient should chew his/her food well enough
- The patient should exercise regularly
