Considering gastric sleeve surgery to tackle severe obesity or related health conditions? Well, you've probably got several questions about its safety and what lies ahead. You’re not alone.
Obesity is a serious concern worldwide, including in the United States. From August 2021 to August 2023, the country had a prevalence rate of 40.3% among adults, mostly from ages 40 to 59. Severe obesity afflicted 9.4% of the population, the majority of whom were women. (1)
Thousands of patients across the country, including Texas—known for its record-holding massive food preparations—are exploring this popular surgical weight loss procedure. Now, we want you to make an informed decision. We’ll discuss the basics of sleeve gastrectomy and uncover what happens before, during, and after this life-changing operation.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Those suffering from morbid obesity can find a solution in gastric sleeve surgery, a type of bariatric surgery. It’s also known by another name: vertical sleeve gastrectomy. How does it work? It changes how the digestive system functions so patients can achieve significant weight loss.
Often done laparoscopically, this procedure involves permanently removing about 80% of your stomach. This smaller stomach reduces the amount of food you consume. It also changes the hormones in your digestive system to promote sustained weight loss.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can likewise address health problems associated with obesity. We're talking about the likes of high blood pressure, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes.
Is It Safe?
The procedure is less invasive than open surgery. Therefore, it carries a lower risk of complications compared to other options, for instance, gastric bypass surgery. A 2021 comparative study discovered that, after five years, persons with severe obesity who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy:
- Had lower mortality rates
- Were less likely to experience complications
- Faced lower rates of reintervention. (2)
Sleeve gastrectomy is considered safe when performed by an experienced, licensed professional in a reputable facility. Clinical procedures like BodyFree gastric sleeve surgery are done by expert bariatric surgeons who’ve operated on hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals with excessive weight issues.
Apart from the surgeon’s expertise, the safety of gastric sleeve surgery also depends heavily on your overall health and how well you follow pre- and post-operative guidelines.
What Are the Potential Risks?
As with other weight loss procedures, undergoing this operation involves certain risks. Potential complications include:
- Blood clots: These develop after any surgery but are preventable with early mobility and medication.
- Bleeding: Depending on the severity, a blood transfusion or corrective surgery is needed to address post-operative bleeding.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A smaller stomach means you’ll need to monitor your intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Few patients reported suffering from anemia and protein deficiencies.
- Acid reflux: Some patients report worsening digestive symptoms, including acid reflux. This happens when the stomach contents flow back to the esophagus, causing heartburn, breathing problems, and difficulty swallowing.
- Infection: Your sutures may become infected without proper post-operative care. Oral antibiotics are recommended. In severe cases, corrective surgery may be required.
Note that these risks are rare and can be prevented so long as your surgeon is experienced and implements best practices for sleeve gastrectomy. Proper care and follow-up are keys to managing them. As such, it pays to follow post-operative instructions shared by your doctor or nurse.
What Happens Before the Surgery?
Preparation is key to the success of your gastric sleeve procedure. Your healthcare provider will thoroughly evaluate your medical condition, body mass index (BMI), and any related diseases to determine if this surgery is right for you.
If you’re cleared for gastric sleeve surgery, you may need to adopt a healthier lifestyle. To reduce surgical risks, you must transition to a low-calorie diet, quit smoking, and embrace regular physical activity.
What To Expect on the Big Day
You’ll be placed under general anesthesia. A tiny camera will guide the surgical tools as the surgeon creates small incisions in your abdomen and removes a large portion of your stomach. The remaining section is stapled into smaller, sleeved-shaped structures. The procedure lasts one to two hours, and you’ll spend some time in the recovery room to ensure there are no immediate complications.
Recovery After a Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve surgery often have faster recovery times and minimal scarring compared to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery—which requires open surgery to make your stomach smaller and your small intestine shorter. Most gastric sleeve surgery patients stay in the hospital for two days before heading home.
However, you need to follow a strict liquid diet before transitioning to soft foods. A healthy diet and portion control are essential for maintaining the results of your weight loss surgery.
During recovery, you may feel nauseous and tired and experience mild pain at the incision sites. Your healthcare team will provide medications and guidance to help you manage such issues. Regular monitoring is critical to address any health problems and track your progress.
Is There a Less Invasive Procedure?
Some doctors perform endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), where they insert a thin suturing device through the patient’s mouth and into the stomach, then stitch its front and back walls together. It doesn’t involve removing a portion of your stomach. While less invasive than laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, it shows less effectivity than the latter and is often reserved for patients with mild to moderate obesity—those with a BMI of at least 30. (3)
The Bottomline
Gastric sleeve surgery is a safe and effective option for anyone who yearns for significant weight loss and relief from related diseases. It’s not a quick fix, though. Achieving lasting results means adopting healthier habits and continuing monitoring and support.
Those considering this journey must consult with a trusted bariatric surgeon to make the best choice. It also pays to understand what each option entails to help ease your concerns and prepare you for the journey to better health.
Citations
1. "Obesity and Severe Obesity prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021 to August 2023", Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db508.htm
2. "Comparative Safety of Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Up to 5 Years After Surgery in Patients with Severe Obesity", Source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2784823
3. "Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis", Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7775813/
