Gastric sleeve procedure facts

Gastric sleeve is one of those procedures that works by removing a portion of the stomach. The portion that is left is sleeve shaped and has a capacity of about 60 to 150 cc. However, reduction of the size of the stomach doesn’t hamper its functioning in any way. Also, the outlet valve and the nerves to the stomach remain in their original shape and size. But one thing that should be kept in mind while going for this surgery is that it is irreversible.

What this technique exactly does is that it will reduce the amount of food that is consumed. This can also be said to be the greatest advantage of this surgery. Another advantage of gastric sleeve is that the removal of a substantial part of the stomach also removes the parts producing hormones stimulating hunger. The fact that no bypassing of the intestinal tract is done can also be considered an added advantage. This prevents the further complications of intestinal bypass like anemia, osteoporosis, vitamin and protein deficiency etc. In fact, it can also help to curb some of the prevailing conditions like anemia, Crohn’s disease etc.

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is best for people who

1.    Don’t want foreign objects in their body.

2.    Suffering from anemia and Crohn’s disease and can’t go for the regular weight loss programs.

3.    Are using anti-inflammatory medicines.

For such patients, this technique proves to be safer than the rest of the techniques. Persons already suffering from health risks should go for this surgery. It will  also help patients suffering from ulcers as compared to other surgeries like gastric bypass.

However, there are risks involved as well. There is always the risk of blood clots, other complications and even death. Unlike lap band , this surgery involves stapling, so,there is always the risk of bleeding or leakage also. It also increases the chances of occurrence of gallstones and gallbladder diseases. It is always best to go though all the pros and cons of any surgery like gastric bypass, lapband before undergoing it.                  

Overview of Gastric Sleeve Plication

Gastric plication involves stitching one or more giant folds in your abdomen. Stitches are placed within the abdomen to secure the rolled abdomen wall. This reduces the abdomen volume by as much as seventy percent. As a result, the abdomen now holds the amount of food that it is accustomed to. The patient will feel fuller sooner, and this leads to weight loss.

So, how much is the weight loss? Most of the patients lose forty to sixty percent of their excess weight within one year of the stomach plication surgery. Like the alternative procedures like gastric bypass surgery etc. that cause large weight loss, there may be additional enhancements in the other obesity-related conditions. Some could resolve completely after the stomach plication. These may include polygenic diseases, high pressure level, sleep disorder and abnormal steroid alcohol levels.

In general, gastric plication takes one to two hours to perform. Most of the folks stay in the hospital for up to two days after the procedure. The patient may feel ill during the primary few days.

The recovery of the patient begins as soon as the Gastric sleeve plication surgery is over and he starts accommodating to the new way of eating. This starts with a two-week diet that possible can embody water, milk, fruit crush and ice. The subsequent few weeks can involve thicker liquids like soup with some vegetables, and eventually the patient can attempt yogurts and fruits. After this, the patient is ready to eat all foods in restricted amounts. In general, the maximum amount is four spoonfuls of food per meal. Most surgeons suggest that the patient should just take nutritious foods and avoid carbohydrates and fat.
Gastric sleeve plication doesn't attenuate the absorption of nutrients or bypass your intestines. The patient has to still take vitamins or minerals after the surgery because the patient won’t be taking the amount as he used to, and this may end in a shortage of necessary nutrients.  As in the other surgeries like Lap band, the patient should discuss this together with his doctor before his surgery, and develop an observation plan so that he can catch any deficiencies early, do they occur.