Gastric Sleeve
Surgery
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
It is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of approximately 75-80% of the stomach. Following this procedure, the shape of the stomach resembles a tube. As a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving only a volume of 50-100 ml, the amount of consumed food is limited.
Due to the decrease in the secretion of the appetite hormone (ghrelin) from the removed part of the stomach (fundus) after the procedure, patients experience a reduction in food intake and a faster sensation of satiety.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a preferred method for managing health problems related to obesity and achieving weight loss. It is usually considered when weight loss methods such as diet and exercise fail, or when health problems related to obesity become severe.
The impact of sleeve gastrectomy on diseases like diabetes and hypertension is quite successful. Especially for diabetic and hypertensive patients treated with medication, there is no need for medication after this surgery.
How is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the following steps:
- Preparation Process: The patient's health condition is evaluated during the preoperative assessment and preparation phase. Important steps such as blood tests, imaging tests, and consultation with a dietitian are completed.
- Anesthesia:Before the surgery begins, the patient is put under general anesthesia to induce sleep.
- Access and Stomach Reduction: Using a laparoscopic method, small incisions are made in the abdominal wall, and the stomach is accessed through these incisions using special surgical instruments and a camera. The large portion of the stomach on the left side is removed, leaving behind a tube-shaped stomach.
- Suturing and Closure: After the stomach reduction procedure is completed, the incisions are closed with sutures.
- Recovery and Follow-up: The postoperative recovery process begins, and the patient is monitored in the hospital for a short period. Subsequently, while continuing the recovery process at home, regular doctor visits are scheduled, and the diet and lifestyle changes recommended by the dietitian are followed. Gastric sleeve surgery is an effective method for managing obesity-related health issues and achieving weight loss, but it may not be suitable for every patient. Therefore, a detailed evaluation and consultation process before the surgery are important.
The Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Anatomy Preservation: Since only the volume of the stomach is reduced, the anatomy remains intact.
- Ease of Application and Short Duration:Compared to other surgeries, it is easier to apply and has a shorter duration.
- Low Risk of Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency: It is the least likely surgery to result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Low Risk of Osteoporosis: Due to its minimal impact on absorption, the risk of developing osteoporosis is minimized.
- Effective Weight Loss: It facilitates weight loss at a similar rate to other surgeries.
- Convertibility:It can be easily converted to other surgical models if necessary.
- Low Cost : The procedural cost is lower compared to all other surgeries
- Ease of Revision : If revision surgery is required, it can be easily performed.
The Disadvantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Irreversible: Since stomach tissue is removed, the procedure is irreversible
- Risk of Leakage: There is a risk of leakage along the stomach line after the surgery.
- Surgical Risks :There are potential risks such as bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related complications.
- Dietary Adjustments: Following the surgery, adherence to a specific diet and nutritional regimen is necessary.
- Weight Regainı: Without adherence to lifestyle changes post-surgery, weight regain may occur.
- Gastric Reflux: Some patients may develop gastric reflux after the surgery
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Although the risk of deficiency is low, some patients may still require vitamin and mineral supplements.
Who is Eligible ForGastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery may be considered for individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria and have been unsuccessful in losing weight through other methods;
- Obesity: Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or with a BMI of 35 or higher and obesity-related health issues, may be eligible for gastric sleeve surgery.
- Failure with Other Weight Loss Methods: When desired results are not achieved after attempting diet, exercise, and other weight loss methods, gastric sleeve surgery may be considered.
- Obesity-Related Health Issues: Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and heart disease that are associated with obesity may serve as indications for gastric sleeve surgery.
- Considering the risks and benefits of the surgery, gastric sleeve surgery is generally performed on individuals aged 18 to 65 with an overall health status suitable for surgery.
- Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are those who can adhere to post-operative lifestyle changes, maintain a diet and exercise regimen, and seek psychological support when needed.
