The gastric sleeve procedure is one of the most popular and effective weight loss surgeries available today. It helps individuals struggling with obesity by reducing the size of the stomach, leading to long-term weight loss and significant health improvements. If you’re considering this procedure, it’s important to understand how it works, what to expect during surgery, and how it aids in weight loss. In this guide, we’ll break down the entire process of the gastric sleeve, from the surgical steps to post-surgery benefits.
What is the Gastric Sleeve Procedure?
Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, the gastric sleeve procedure is a type of restrictive weight loss surgery. During the procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, reducing it to about 15-20% of its original size. The remaining stomach is reshaped into a tube or “sleeve,” which limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full more quickly.
Unlike some other bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve doesn’t involve rerouting the intestines or altering the digestive process. This makes it a simpler procedure with fewer complications, while still delivering impressive weight loss results.
Step-by-Step: How the Gastric Sleeve Procedure Works
1. Pre-Operative Preparation
Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, patients typically undergo a series of pre-op evaluations. This includes medical tests, consultations with your surgeon and dietitian, and adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. These steps ensure you’re physically and mentally ready for the procedure.
Pre-Surgery Diet:
- To prepare for surgery, most patients are placed on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for 1-2 weeks before the operation. This diet helps reduce the size of the liver and makes the surgery safer by giving the surgeon better access to the stomach.
2. Anesthesia and Surgical Setup
On the day of surgery, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be completely asleep and won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
The surgeon typically performs the gastric sleeve procedure laparoscopically, using small incisions and a camera (called a laparoscope) to guide the surgical tools. This minimally invasive technique reduces scarring, pain, and recovery time compared to open surgery.
3. Removal of Stomach Tissue
After inserting the laparoscope and tools through the small incisions, the surgeon carefully removes approximately 75-85% of your stomach. They detach the larger, curved portion, leaving behind a slender, tube-like stomach (the sleeve).
How Much of the Stomach is Removed:
- The part of the stomach that is removed includes the section that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin. By reducing the production of this hormone, the surgery not only limits the amount of food you can eat but also decreases your appetite, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet.
4. Creating the Sleeve
After the removal of the larger portion of the stomach, the remaining part is stapled shut along its length to create a long, narrow tube. This new stomach, or “sleeve,” holds far less food than your original stomach, typically about 3-4 ounces.
The surgeon ensures that the staples are secure, and any excess stomach tissue is carefully removed. Once the sleeve is in place, the small incisions are closed, and the surgery is complete.
5. Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Immediate Recovery:
- After the surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery room, where medical staff will monitor your vital signs as the anesthesia wears off. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days following the procedure to ensure there are no complications.
Pain and Discomfort:
- You will likely feel some pain and discomfort around the incision sites, but medication can help manage it. You’ll also need to take it easy for the first few weeks and avoid strenuous activities.
How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Aids in Weight Loss
The gastric sleeve procedure leads to weight loss through two primary mechanisms:
1. Reduced Stomach Capacity:
- The smaller size of the stomach physically limits the amount of food you can eat in one sitting. After surgery, you’ll feel full after eating much smaller portions, which reduces your overall caloric intake.
2. Hormonal Changes:
- The reduction in ghrelin production, often called the “hunger hormone,” helps decrease your appetite. Many patients report feeling significantly less hungry after surgery, which makes it easier to follow a calorie-controlled diet.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Effective Weight Loss:
- On average, patients lose about 60-70% of their excess body weight within 12-18 months after the procedure. Weight loss can continue for up to two years as patients adjust to their new lifestyle.
Improved Health:
- In addition to significant weight loss, many patients see improvements in obesity-related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. Some conditions may even resolve completely after surgery.
No Foreign Objects or Bypass:
- Unlike gastric banding, the gastric sleeve does not involve placing foreign objects in the body. It also doesn’t alter the intestines or change the way your body absorbs nutrients, which makes it a less complex procedure with fewer long-term risks.
Better Appetite Control:
- Many patients experience fewer cravings and a reduced desire to overeat, thanks to the decrease in hunger hormones. This makes it easier to stick to a healthier diet in the long term.
What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Post-Surgery Diet:
- In the weeks following your surgery, you’ll gradually transition from a liquid diet to pureed foods and soft solids, before finally incorporating regular solid foods into your diet. It’s crucial to follow the diet guidelines provided by your dietitian to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Long-term success after gastric sleeve surgery depends on making healthy lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and portion control will be essential to maintaining weight loss. Your dietitian and bariatric team will work closely with you to create a sustainable plan for lasting results.
Supplements:
- Because the stomach is smaller, your body may absorb fewer nutrients after surgery. Most patients will need to take daily vitamins and supplements, such as a multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, and B12, to prevent deficiencies.
Follow-Up Care:
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your weight loss progress, address any potential issues, and ensure you’re meeting your health goals. You may need blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies, and your doctor may adjust your diet or supplements accordingly.
Who is a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Doctors generally recommend gastric sleeve surgery for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35-39.9 who have obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
- Commit to making long-term lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and regular physical activity.
- Do not have medical conditions that would make surgery too risky.
Conclusion
The gastric sleeve procedure is a highly effective and minimally invasive option for individuals looking to achieve significant, long-term weight loss. By reducing the size of your stomach and altering hunger hormones, the surgery helps you eat less, feel fuller faster, and maintain a healthier weight. At VIVE Bariatrics, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals through personalized care and expert guidance. If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, schedule a consultation to learn more about how this procedure can transform your life.