Gastric Sleeve (Inpatient)

Procedure Information

What is gastric sleeve?

Gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical procedure used to aid in weight-loss. It is done using a laparoscope and involves the removal of about 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-like stomach that is the same size as a banana. 

Decreasing the stomach’s size is useful because this will restrict the amount of food you eat. Also, this limits hormones produced by your stomach. These hormones cause increased appetite. 

Why would I get this procedure? 

Gastric sleeve is done to help people lose weight when diet and exercise aren’t helping enough. Gastric bypass can also help reduce the risk of serious conditions that are related to obesity. These conditions include:

• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Hyperlipidemia
• Infertility
• Cancer

The procedure is recommended if:

• You have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40
• Your body mass index is from 35 to 39.9, and you have other health problems like diabetes or hypertension.

You should be aware that the surgery isn’t for everyone, and you have to meet specific criteria to qualify for the procedure. 

What happens during the procedure? 

The surgery takes one to two hours. It is done under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and won’t remember anything. Most surgeries are done using laparoscopes, which involves inserting instruments through multiple small incisions in your abdomen. 

The surgeon will create a narrow sleeve by sapling your stomach vertically and then removing the curved, larger part of your stomach. 

What happens after the procedure? 

Immediately after the surgery, you won’t be able to eat solid food as your gastrointestinal tract is healing. Nevertheless, you will be able to drink liquids. You will follow a special dietary plan that moves slowly from liquids to solid food. 

You won’t have any restrictions on what you can eat and how much. However, your doctor will recommend supplements like vitamin B-12, calcium, and iron as they may not get well-absorbed after the surgery. 

Conclusion

The surgery will provide long-term weight loss. In addition to weight loss, some people experience benefits related to their chronic diseases. These benefits include improving or resolving the following conditions:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hyperlipidemia
• Heart disease
• Infertility

Citations 

Mayo Clinic: Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)