A relatively new bariatric procedure performed for weight loss is the gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), gastric sleeve resection or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.The procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach using stapling devices while leaving the small intestine and both ends of the stomach intact. It has proven to be beneficial for super obese people struggling with weight issues for a long time.
The gastric sleeve surgery promotes weight loss by reducing the stomach’s size permanently and thereby restricting the consumption of food. The surgery is the first part of a two stage procedure where the surgeon removes three-quarters of the stomach along the outside curve of the stomach. The new belly takes the shape of a narrow tube which runs along from the esophagus to the small intestine. The reason why the surgery is done in 2 parts is to make it safer for obese patients with a BMI of over 60.
The pyloric valve continues to function normally. The hormone known as ghrelin responsible for inducing hunger in people, slowing metabolism and decreasing the ability of the body to burn fat is removed by removing the upper portion of the stomach-the area the hunger stimulating hormone is produced. Nowadays it is performed increasingly as a stand alone procedure but the second part of the surgery is performed when the obese patient has lost enough weight and if further weight loss is required.
Advantages of gastric sleeve surgery includes: There is no dumping syndrome associated with surgery. The results in 40-60% of weight loss with in a year of the surgery. Less invasive and does not involve cutting or altering the intestine. Not excessive nutritional supplements required. It is considered less risky for patients with high BMI. No external or foreign device is placed inside the body. Normal food can be consumed after the surgery although in small quantities Safer for patients with pre existing medical conditions.
Disadvantages of gastric sleeve surgery Overall weight loss is lesser than other surgeries and the surgery is irreversible because a part of the stomach is permanently removed. The stomach pouch may eventually stretch in the long run. Insurance companies usually do not cover gastric sleeve surgery. The surgery is still in the experimental stage though many patients have achieved favorable results.
The surgery takes about 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Recovery time may last a few weeks and pain medication may be prescribed for discomfort. The abdomen remains swollen and sore for few weeks and some scarring may be visible. You will need to stay on liquid diet for 2 weeks and thereafter 2 weeks of semi solid pureed food.
Usually after the surgery, an overall many patients notice an improvement in their medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and blood pressure. Of course, weight loss is on ongoing process and the gastric sleeve surgery is only a step towards promoting weight loss and it is in the hands of the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle thereafter.
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Tags: Gastric sleeve surgery, Health, healthcare, weight loss surgery