Gastric sleeve is a wide-spread bariatric surgery, which differs from others in terms of lower complication risks and easier ways of maintenance.
This type of surgery is covered by United Healthcare, which shows that it has proved its efficiency and can take its place amongst other similar operations. Lower risk levels and the duration of gastric sleeve surgery make it one of the most attractive weight loss surgeries nowadays.
Today we will try to give you an insight and show the main benefits and possible complications of this procedure, to help each patient decide which method to choose.
Benefits
As any bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve has its weak and strong points, although in most cases it is far safer than others.
1. It reduces hunger. During surgery a part of the stomach is removed, this part is responsible for the production of ghrelin, a hormone which gives you the feeling of hunger. When it is reduced or removed, a patient simply doesn’t feel hungry;
2. While other bariatric surgeries can last for hours, which can be a bigger risk for patients with excess weight, gastric sleeve is a shorter procedure, which can be crucial in some cases;
3. Absence of dumping syndrome. This is a syndrome, which manifests with symptoms such as bowel evacuation, discomfort or weakness and occurs after heavy meals. Due to the fact that the intestines’ routes are not changed, sugars have time to digest and there is no occurrence of dumping syndrome;
4. No visits to the doctor. While many other procedures require constant visits to the doctor, gastric sleeve surgery is simple and doesn’t need adjustments;
5. Fast weight loss. Patients lose up to 70% of excess weight during the first year following surgery;
6. Is able to cure associated diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and many others;
7. Fast recovery. Patients are usually discharged after 2-3 days of hospital stay and full recovery takes place in approximately 4-6 weeks.
Complications
Although gastric sleeve is a relatively simple procedure, every patient should be aware of the possible complications. The main complication is leakage from the staple line.
It can occur during surgery or after it. If it happens during the operation, the surgeon fixes everything and you don’t even know that something has happened. However, this leak can also take place during the first month following surgery. The main reason is eating foods, which are not permitted in the diet or because of poor healing of the stomach tissue, which causes the staples to detach.
If the patient experiences symptoms such as fever, chest or stomach pain or tachycardia (fast heart rate), he needs to contact a doctor immediately. The rates of staple line leakage occurrence are low if all the instructions are followed carefully.
Before deciding whether gastric sleeve is an option for you, it is better to contact a surgeon you trust and he will give you all the necessary information and offer the best solution.
