Are you also tired of trying different ways to lose weight due to obesity? Sometimes, no matter how much we control our diet and exercise, we do not get the desired results. Being overweight is not only a problem of appearance, but also a cause of many serious diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. So, in such a situation, we are going to talk about a special surgery that helps in losing weight with the help of medical science today.
What is Gastric Sleeve surgery?
Simply put, gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss surgery. Doctors call it bariatric surgery. It involves reducing the size of your stomach. Think of your stomach as a small pouch. In this surgery, about 80% of that pouch, which is a large part, is cut out and removed.
Then all that's left is a small, tube-like ``sleeve'' of the stomach, shaped like a banana. The word "gastrectomy" literally means removing part of the stomach. That's why it's also called a ``sleeve gastrectomy''.
How does this surgery help you lose weight?
This is a very simple mechanism. When your stomach shrinks, the amount of food you can eat at one time is greatly limited. That means you can't eat as much as you used to, and you feel full even after eating a little.
But the work doesn't end there. Something else important happens. Our stomach is the main producer of hunger hormones. Since a large part of the stomach is removed, the production of these hormones is also greatly reduced. As a result, things like constant hunger and cravings are controlled. One of the main reasons for weight gain after losing weight is this uncontrollable desire to eat. So this surgery also provides a solution to that.
Who is this surgery really suitable for?
This is not a surgery for everyone. To qualify for this, you must meet certain criteria. This will be decided by a medical team led by your doctor. These are the factors that are usually considered.
| Qualification | A Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Severe Obesity | Your body mass index (BMI) must be over 40. Or, your BMI must be over 35 and you have another medical condition caused by being overweight (such as diabetes or high blood pressure). BMI is a measure of your weight for your height. |
| Other methods fail | Before surgery, you must have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through diet and exercise. Sometimes, even insurance companies require you to participate in a medically supervised weight loss program for 3-6 months before approving the surgery. |
| Physical and mental preparation | This is a major surgery. And you will have to completely change your lifestyle after the surgery. Therefore, nutritionists, psychologists, and other specialists will check whether you are physically and mentally ready for this. |
The most important thing is that your doctor will make the final decision on whether this surgery is right for you. So talk to him openly about this.
What other diseases can be cured with this surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery not only treats obesity, but also provides relief from many other related diseases. Some diseases may even be completely cured.
- Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
- Hypertension and related heart diseases
- High blood cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia) and arteriosclerosis
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Joint pain and arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
How is the surgery done?
The thought of this surgery can be very scary, but with today's technology, it is often done through very small incisions.
Preparation before surgery
Once you are eligible for surgery, your doctor will put you on a liquid diet for about two weeks. This is to reduce some of the fat in your abdomen and liver and make the surgery safer. You will not be allowed to eat or drink anything for 12 hours before surgery. Keep your stomach completely empty.
During surgery
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. So you don't feel anything. The surgeon makes a few small incisions (about 1-2 cm) in your abdomen and inserts a camera (laparoscope) and fine instruments. The surgery is performed while viewing the images from this camera on a screen. This method is called laparoscopic surgery . Since the abdomen is not cut very large, the recovery time is shorter and the pain is less. Then, as mentioned earlier, the unnecessary part of the stomach is separated and removed with a surgical stapler. The entire surgery takes about 1-1.5 hours.
What are the benefits and possible risks?
As with any surgery, there are some risks involved, but compared to the diseases caused by obesity, the risks of this surgery are very low.
| Advantages | Risks & Complications |
|---|---|
| It is simpler, faster, and safer than other weight loss surgeries. | Short-term risks: Bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, and leaks from the stomach incision (very rare). |
| Since no changes are made to the intestines, the risk of nutritional deficiencies in the long term is low. | Long-term complications: nutritional deficiencies (requiring lifelong vitamin supplementation), gastroesophageal reflux, gallstones (which may require cholecystectomy). |
| It provides excellent weight loss and many health benefits. | Scar tissue narrows the stomach and makes it difficult for food to pass through (may cause nausea and vomiting). |
How is life after the surgery?
You will need to stay in the hospital for one or two days after the surgery. It may take about a month to fully recover and return to work.
Diet
The first few weeks will be spent on a liquid and mashed `(soft diet)` food. Gradually, you will get used to regular solid foods. But you will not be able to eat like before . You need to get maximum nutrition from the food you eat. Therefore , you will have to take vitamins and nutritional supplements for the rest of your life. Your doctor and nutritionist will inform you about this.
Expected weight loss
Typically, you can lose about 25% - 30% of your total body weight within the first year or two. Imagine that you weigh 120 kilos. Then you can lose about 30-36 kilos. This depends on the lifestyle you follow after the surgery.
Take-Home Message
- Gastric sleeve surgery is a major, irreversible, lifelong change. This is not a game.
- This is just a "tool" to help you lose weight. After the surgery, you need to commit to diet and exercise for the rest of your life.
- Surgery can control or cure many diseases related to obesity, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Before making any decisions, talk to your doctor thoroughly about the pros, cons, risks, and life after surgery, and ask all your questions.
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