Gastric Sleeve Surgery Offering Hope for Obese People
Saturday, December 5th, 2009Gastric Sleeve surgery is a relatively new weight loss surgery also technically known as gastric sleeve resection, sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. It is a part of the duodenal operation and involves removing the 2/3rds of the lateral side of the stomach with a stapler-like device. It is also a keyhole surgery but is not reversible. It basically transforms a stomach sack into a stomach sack.
The gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive type of bariatric procedure that reduces the size of the stomach permanently by restricting intake of food. The surgery is usually performed as the first part of a 2 stage surgery. The second part of the surgery usually performed at a later stage involves duodenal switch surgery or gastric bypass. The purpose of the two part surgery is to make the procedure safer and less risky for patients with a BMI of over 60 or those with complex medical conditions.
The pyloric valve continues to function normally. The hormone known as ghrelin responsible for inducing hunger in people, slowing metabolism and decreasing the ability of the body to burn fat is removed by removing the upper portion of the stomach-the area the hunger stimulating hormone is produced. Nowadays it is performed increasingly as a stand alone procedure but the second part of the surgery is performed when the obese patient has lost enough weight and if further weight loss is required.
Benefits of gastric sleeve surgery include: The surgery does not involve implanting a medical or foreign device into the body in order to curb eating. The small intestine is left intact with and hence involves fewer complications. Patients with complex medical conditions can safely undertake the surgery. Post surgery, additional nutritional supplements are not needed. Visible positive differences are seen within a year of the surgery. It is a boon for patients with high BMI. Does not restrict intake of normal food soon after surgery. Dumping syndrome does not occur.
There are also several disadvantages of this surgery. The procedure is not reversible, Since it is a relatively new procedure, it may be difficult to find experienced surgeons. Gastric sleeve surgery is not enclosed in insurance deals. No long term studies to prove that the surgery will have a long term effect.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the duration is about 2-3 hours. Soon after the surgery, patients will need to be on liquid diets until the body recovers and thereafter the diet will slowly change from semi solid to solid foods. About 1 month after the surgery, most patients will be able to consume normal food.
Many patients have reported noticing an improvement in their health and discover that their diabetes, blood pressure or hypertension is well under control. Gastric sleeve surgery is not the end but a journey in the ongoing process of weight loss. The patients have to make healthy lifestyle changes to aid them in losing weight and maintaining it throughout their lives.
Learn more about theGastric Sleeve Surgery. Stop by Jessica Sharpe’s site where you can find out all about Gastric Sleeve Surgery and what it can do for you.
categories: Gastric sleeve surgery,weight loss surgery,healthcare,health
