Gastric Sleeve Surgery - Risk and Complications

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a surgery where the healthcare provider removes a part of the stomach to make it a narrow tube or sleeve out of the rest. The new banana-shaped stomach is smaller than the original stomach. The part of the stomach that has been removed produces hormones that increase appetite and help control insulin. Usually, after the surgery, the individual's appetite decreases, and insulin resistance gets better. It is a type of bariatric surgery and is performed to achieve weight loss.

What Are the Medical Conditions That Can Be Cured by Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

This surgical procedure is the main treatment for obesity and the medical conditions associated with obesity. This is recommended for obese individuals who have a high risk of developing medical conditions, and this surgery can also help in improving medical conditions like:

• Joint pain and osteoarthritis.

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

• Steatohepatitis.

• Hyperlipidemia and arterial disease.

• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

• Hypertensive heart disease and hypertension.

• Obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

• Obstructive sleep apnea.

How Safe Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The risk of gastric sleeve surgery is less than the risk of medical conditions related to obesity. This can lower the complications than other surgeries like gallbladder removal, hip replacement, etc. Most of these sleeve surgeries are done by minimally invasive techniques that involve less pain from incisions and faster recovery rates.

What Qualifies You for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The general requirements for gastric sleeve surgery are:

• Individuals should be obese (class 3 obesity level). This is determined by the BMI (body mass index) index. A BMI of 40 or more, with one related medical condition, is indicated for gastric sleeve surgery.

• If the individual has not succeeded in losing weight before opting for surgery, the individual should spend three to six months on a weight loss plan supervised medically.

• The individual should be mentally prepared for the surgery and the recovery process.

How Is the Procedure of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed?

After the screening and qualification for gastric sleeve surgery, the individual is recommended for a two-week liquid diet. This is done so that some of the fat in the abdomen is lost and makes the surgery safer. The healthcare provider will ask the patient not to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to the surgery. In most cases, the surgery is performed by robotic or laparoscopic surgery. The surgery is carried out by making minimal incisions, which makes a recovery easier. The steps of the surgery are as follows:

• General anesthesia is given by a healthcare provider.

• Small incisions in the abdomen are about half an inch long, and a port is inserted. This pumps the carbon dioxide gas through the port so that the abdomen expands.

• A laparoscope (small lightheaded video camera instrument) is inserted into the port, and through other ports, other instruments are inserted that would complete the procedure.

• The gastric sleeve is measured and then divided and separated from the stomach using a surgical stapler.

• The part of the separated sleeve of the stomach is removed, and then the incisions are closed.

• Compared to other surgical procedures for weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery is a relatively simple and short procedure. This procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Hospitalization for two days after surgery helps in managing pain and mild side effects like nausea.

What Are the Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Individuals with underlying conditions who are not suited for long procedures usually opt for sleeve gastrectomy, which is well tolerated by them. As the surgery does not interfere with the arrangement of intestines, it is much more likely to cause less harm and complications related to nutrition. Gastric sleeve surgery is quicker, safer, and simpler compared to other bariatric surgeries. Though the average weight loss with this surgery is comparatively less than other weight loss surgeries, they offer excellent health benefits and weight loss.

What Are the Possible Risks and Complications of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

There are few risks of complications in all surgeries. For gastric sleeve surgery, the chances are less than one percent. The complication that can occur are:

• Bleeding.

• Leaking from the staple line.

• Infections.

• Reactions to anesthesia.

After recovery, long-term complications that occur are:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: It is hard to get enough nutrients as food intake reduces. The individuals are usually prescribed daily nutritional supplements for life to compensate them.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux: Individuals are more prone to get gastroesophageal reflux after surgery. This condition is often treated with medication.

• Gallstones: Gallstones can result due to rapid weight loss. This causes more fat to get processed through the liver, which can result in gallstones and cholesterol stones that cause pain after eating.

• Scar Tissue: Scar tissue after the surgery can result in the narrowing of the stomach and block food from moving through the stomach which causes nausea, vomiting, and eating difficulties.

What Is the Recovery Time and How Much Weight Is Lost by Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Individuals would take a month time to return to work at full capacity. During this period, individuals can face tiredness and fatigue as they need to adjust to limited calories. Over time the individual gets used to the calorie and food intake. An average weight loss of 25 to 30 percent of the individual's body weight is seen in the first two years. Some people do regain some weight, but the overall weight loss is 25 to 30 percent of the body weight in consistent five years. The individual’s weight loss differs depending on their lifestyle habits after the surgery.

Conclusion

Gastric sleeve surgery is a safe and simple procedure that can have great benefits and results in weight loss. It is an irreversible change to the stomach that requires lifelong changes from the individual. The individual has to be always cautious about what to eat, the quantity, and how to eat for the rest of their life to protect the stomach and nutritional needs of the body. With a true commitment to the weight loss journey, this procedure can really be of great benefit. It can also resolve and improve other health conditions and obesity.