Obesity is a growing health concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and out of those, over 650 million were classified as obese. Obesity can lead to various health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. To combat obesity, there are several weight loss solutions, one of which is the gastric sleeve procedure.
Gastric sleeve procedure, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical weight loss procedure that involves removing a portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach. The smaller stomach size leads to reduced food intake and early satiety, resulting in weight loss. In this article, we will discuss the gastric sleeve procedure, its benefits, risks, and recovery.
Who is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Procedure?
Gastric sleeve procedure is an option for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Candidates for the procedure should also have tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success. It is important to note that the gastric sleeve procedure is a major surgery, and individuals must be committed to making lifestyle changes to achieve long-term weight loss success.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Procedure
The gastric sleeve procedure has several benefits, including:
- Effective Weight Loss: Gastric sleeve procedure leads to significant weight loss, with individuals losing an average of 60% of their excess weight within the first year.
- Improved Comorbidities: The procedure can also improve or resolve comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
- Reduced Hunger: The smaller stomach size leads to reduced hunger, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a healthy diet.
- Short Hospital Stay: Gastric sleeve procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that requires a short hospital stay of 1-2 days.
Risks of Gastric Sleeve Procedure
Like any surgery, gastric sleeve procedure carries some risks, including:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection after surgery, which can be treated with antibiotics.
- Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or after surgery, requiring a blood transfusion.
- Gastric Leak: Gastric leak occurs when there is a hole or a tear in the stomach. This is a rare but serious complication that may require additional surgery.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The smaller stomach size may lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can be managed with supplements.
Recovery from Gastric Sleeve Procedure
The recovery time from gastric sleeve procedure varies from individual to individual, but most individuals can return to work within 1-2 weeks. During the recovery period, individuals must follow a liquid diet for the first week, followed by a pureed diet for the second and third weeks, and then a soft diet for the fourth week. After the fourth week, individuals can gradually reintroduce solid foods into their diet.
To achieve long-term weight loss success, individuals must make lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalised weight loss plan that includes regular follow-up visits to monitor weight loss progress and manage any complications. You can click here to see more about gastric sleeve.
Conclusion
The gastric sleeve procedure is a surgical weight loss solution that involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach size. The smaller stomach size leads to reduced food intake and early satiety, resulting in weight loss. The procedure is effective in achieving significant weight loss and improving or resolving comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. However, like any surgery, it carries some risks, and individuals must be committed to making lifestyle changes to achieve long-term weight loss success.
If you are considering a gastric sleeve procedure, it is important to discuss your options with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your candidacy for the procedure and provide personalised recommendations. With proper care and commitment to lifestyle changes, gastric sleeve procedures can be an effective solution for achieving sustainable weight loss and improving overall health and well-being.
