Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most effective bariatric procedures for significant and sustained weight loss. This minimally invasive surgery reduces the size of the stomach, limiting food intake and helping patients lose weight while improving obesity-related health conditions. Understanding how the gastric sleeve procedure works can help you make an informed decision about your weight loss journey. At VIVE Bariatrics, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of how the gastric sleeve procedure works.
1. Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Initial Consultation:
- Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with a bariatric surgeon. During this appointment, your surgeon will assess your health, discuss your weight loss goals, and determine if you’re a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the procedure.
Medical Evaluation:
- A thorough medical evaluation is essential to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery. This typically includes blood tests, imaging studies, and a review of your medical history. You may also need to undergo psychological evaluation and nutritional counseling to prepare for the lifestyle changes required after surgery.
Pre-Surgery Diet:
- In the weeks leading up to the surgery, your surgeon may recommend a pre-surgery diet to shrink your liver and reduce surgical risks. This diet is usually high in protein and low in carbohydrates, designed to prepare your body for the procedure.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Successful weight loss with the gastric sleeve requires commitment to long-term lifestyle changes. Your bariatric team will provide guidance on adopting healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking if applicable.
2. The Day of Surgery: What to Expect
Admission to the Hospital:
- On the day of surgery, you’ll be admitted to the hospital and meet with your surgical team, including your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses. They will review the procedure with you, answer any last-minute questions, and prepare you for surgery.
Anesthesia:
- Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that you’re asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia and monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery.
Minimally Invasive Surgery:
- The surgeon will perform the gastric sleeve procedure laparoscopically, which means using small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and surgical instruments. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery, resulting in quicker recovery times and less scarring.
3. The Gastric Sleeve Procedure: Step-by-Step
1. Creating the Small Incisions:
- The surgeon begins by making several small incisions in your abdomen. Through these incisions, the laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted to access your stomach.
2. Resecting the Stomach:
- The surgeon uses specialized surgical tools to divide and remove approximately 80% of your stomach. The remaining portion of the stomach is shaped like a tube or sleeve, which is why the procedure is called a sleeve gastrectomy.
3. Stapling the Stomach:
- After resecting the stomach, the surgeon uses surgical staples to close and seal the remaining stomach. These staples ensure that the new, smaller stomach is securely formed and capable of functioning properly.
4. Inspecting for Leaks:
- The surgeon will carefully inspect the stapled stomach for any leaks or complications. In some cases, a dye test may be performed to ensure the stomach is sealed properly and there are no leaks.
5. Removing Surgical Instruments and Closing Incisions:
- Once the procedure is complete and the surgeon is satisfied with the results, the surgical instruments are removed, and the small incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue. Bandages are applied to protect the incisions as they heal.
4. Recovery After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Waking Up from Anesthesia:
- After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where you’ll wake up from anesthesia. Your surgical team will monitor you closely to ensure you’re recovering well. Some discomfort or nausea is normal, and your medical team will provide medication to manage any pain.
Hospital Stay:
- Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery. During this time, you’ll start on a clear liquid diet and gradually progress to other liquids as your stomach begins to heal.
Transition to Solid Foods:
- Over the next few weeks, you’ll gradually transition from a liquid diet to pureed foods, and eventually to soft and solid foods. Your bariatric team will provide detailed dietary guidelines to help you adjust to your new stomach size and eating habits.
Post-Surgery Follow-Up:
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress and ensuring you’re recovering well. Your surgeon will check your incisions, assess your weight loss, and adjust your diet or medications as needed.
Long-Term Lifestyle Changes:
- Adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to the long-term success of gastric sleeve surgery. This includes following a balanced diet, taking recommended supplements, engaging in regular physical activity, and attending support groups or counseling if needed.
5. Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Significant Weight Loss:
- Gastric sleeve surgery is highly effective for weight loss, with most patients losing 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first year. The reduced stomach size helps control portion sizes and reduces calorie intake, leading to substantial weight loss.
Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions:
- In addition to weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery often leads to significant improvements in obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
Enhanced Quality of Life:
- Many patients experience a better quality of life after gastric sleeve surgery. Increased energy levels, improved mobility, and enhanced self-esteem are just a few of the benefits that can positively impact your daily life.
6. Potential Risks and Complications
Understanding the Risks:
- As with any surgery, gastric sleeve surgery carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and take steps to minimize them.
Long-Term Considerations:
- Some patients may experience long-term complications, such as nutrient deficiencies, acid reflux, or stomach stretching. Regular follow-up care, a healthy diet, and adherence to your surgeon’s recommendations can help prevent or manage these issues.
Conclusion
Gastric sleeve surgery is a powerful tool for achieving significant and sustained weight loss, especially for those struggling with obesity-related health conditions. By reducing the size of the stomach, the procedure helps control food intake and promotes healthier eating habits. Understanding the step-by-step process of how the gastric sleeve works can help you feel more prepared and confident as you embark on your weight loss journey. If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, schedule a consultation with our expert team today to learn more about how this procedure can help you achieve your weight loss and health goals.