Frequently Asked Questions

Will the weight loss last after gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of weight loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach to restrict food intake and promote weight loss. While the surgery can be an effective tool for weight loss, it is important to understand that it is not a magic solution. The success of the surgery depends on the individual’s commitment to making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Most people who undergo gastric sleeve surgery will experience significant weight loss in the first few months after the procedure. However, the long-term success of the surgery depends on the individual’s ability to maintain their weight loss by continuing to make healthy lifestyle choices. Some people may experience weight regain after the surgery if they do not follow their surgeon’s recommendations or if they develop unhealthy habits.

It is important for individuals who are considering gastric sleeve surgery to understand that it is a tool to help them achieve their weight loss goals, but it is not a quick fix. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight requires a commitment to making lasting lifestyle changes. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider, such as a dietitian or a therapist, to develop a plan to help you reach and maintain your weight loss goals.

Why wouldn’t I be able to get the gastric sleeve?

There are several reasons why you might not be able to get a gastric sleeve surgery.

First, gastric sleeve surgery is typically only recommended for people who are severely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with significant obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. If your BMI is lower than these thresholds, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure.

Second, you need to be in good overall health to undergo surgery. If you have certain medical conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, or uncontrolled diabetes, you may not be able to undergo the procedure. Your doctor will evaluate your health and advise you on whether gastric sleeve surgery is appropriate for you.

Finally, you need to be committed to making lifestyle changes after the surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is not a quick fix and requires significant lifestyle changes, including a commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you are not willing to make these changes, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure.

What are the advantages of the gastric sleeve versus the gastric bypass surgery?

Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are two types of bariatric surgery that can help people with obesity lose weight. Both procedures involve making changes to the stomach and intestine to help the person feel full more quickly and absorb fewer calories from food.

Here are some key differences between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass:

Procedure: Gastric sleeve involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. Gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine.

Effect on appetite: Gastric sleeve can lead to reduced appetite and food intake because it removes a portion of the stomach that produces hunger-stimulating hormones. Gastric bypass can also lead to reduced appetite, but this may be due to the bypassed portion of the intestine no longer receiving food.

Effect on nutrient absorption: Gastric sleeve does not affect the absorption of nutrients from food. However, gastric bypass can lead to nutrient deficiencies because it bypasses a portion of the intestine where nutrients are absorbed. This can be managed by taking vitamin and mineral supplements as recommended by a healthcare provider.

Recovery time: Gastric sleeve typically requires a shorter hospital stay and recovery time than gastric bypass.

Weight loss: Both procedures can lead to significant weight loss, but gastric bypass may result in more rapid and substantial weight loss than gastric sleeve. However, the amount of weight loss will vary from person to person and may depend on factors such as the individual’s starting weight, diet, and exercise habits.

It’s important to note that both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are major surgeries that carry risks and complications. These procedures should only be considered after other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have been tried and have not been successful. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider before making a decision about which procedure is best for you.

What are the advantages of the gastric bypass versus the gastric sleeve?

Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery are both types of bariatric surgery, which is a surgical procedure that is used to help people who are severely overweight or obese to lose weight. There are several key differences between the two procedures:

Mechanism of weight loss: Gastric bypass surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch and bypassing a portion of the small intestine, which limits the amount of food you can eat and absorbs fewer calories. Gastric sleeve surgery, on the other hand, involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped stomach that is about the size of a banana. This limits the amount of food you can eat and reduces hunger and appetite.

Nutritional risks and complications: Gastric bypass surgery carries a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies, since it bypasses a portion of the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed. This can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Gastric sleeve surgery does not bypass any part of the intestine and carries a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies, but it may still be necessary to take supplements after the procedure.

Weight loss outcomes: Both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery can lead to significant weight loss, but gastric bypass tends to result in greater weight loss and may be more effective for people who are severely obese. Gastric sleeve may be a good option for people who have less weight to lose or who may not be candidates for gastric bypass surgery due to other health conditions.

Recovery and complications: Gastric bypass surgery is a more complex procedure and typically requires a longer hospital stay and recovery time compared to gastric sleeve surgery. Both procedures carry risks of complications, including infection, bleeding, and hernias.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of both procedures with your surgeon and a nutritionist to determine which one is the best option for you.

How can surgeons pull out a huge stomach from a small incision?

Surgeons can perform a laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery to remove the stomach through a small incision. In this type of surgery, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen and inserts thin instruments, including a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera at the end), through the incisions. The laparoscope allows the surgeon to view the inside of the abdomen on a video monitor, while the thin instruments are used to perform the surgery.

During the procedure, the surgeon may use special instruments to separate the stomach from the surrounding tissues and organs, and then carefully remove it through one of the small incisions. The procedure may also involve the use of special devices, such as staplers, to seal off blood vessels and other structures as needed.

Minimally invasive surgery has several benefits compared to traditional open surgery, including a shorter recovery time, less scarring, and less pain. However, not all surgeries can be performed using laparoscopic techniques, and the decision to use this approach will depend on the specific circumstances of the patient and the nature of the procedure.

What is the trend of the gastric sleeve surgery in United States?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of weight loss surgery that involves the removal of a portion of the stomach to reduce the amount of food that can be consumed and help with weight loss. The procedure has become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years as a treatment for obesity and related health conditions.

According to data from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the number of gastric sleeve procedures performed in the United States has been steadily increasing over the past decade. In 2020, it was the most common type of weight loss surgery performed in the United States, accounting for about 45% of all bariatric procedures.

It’s worth noting that the trend of gastric sleeve surgery in the United States may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the availability of insurance coverage, the overall prevalence of obesity in the population, and the effectiveness of the procedure in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health.

How long will I be in the hospital after the gastric sleeve operation?

The length of time you will spend in the hospital after gastric sleeve surgery will depend on a number of factors, including your overall health, the complexity of the surgery, and any complications that may arise. In general, gastric sleeve surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you will be able to go home the same day as the surgery. However, some people may need to stay in the hospital for a longer period of time if they have other medical conditions or if complications occur.

In most cases, you can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two days after gastric sleeve surgery. During this time, you will be closely monitored by the medical staff to ensure that you are recovering well from the surgery. You will also receive instructions on how to care for yourself at home and how to manage any discomfort or side effects that may occur after the surgery.

It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team and to contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery.

Will the gastric sleeve cause heart burn?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. It is not typically associated with heartburn, but it is possible for some people to experience heartburn after the surgery.

Heartburn is a common digestive symptom that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions.

After gastric sleeve surgery, some people may experience heartburn due to changes in their digestive system or as a result of eating foods that they were not able to tolerate before the surgery. It is important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes after the surgery to help minimize the risk of heartburn and other digestive symptoms. If you are experiencing heartburn or other digestive symptoms after gastric sleeve surgery, it is important to speak with your surgeon or a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.