Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common obesity treatment surgeries. It is also called “vertical sleeve gastrectomy” or gastric sleeve surgery. During sleeve gastrectomy, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size and shape of a banana. The surgery is performed laparoscopically and is considered as a minimally invasive operation.

How sleeve gastrectomy has effect on the weight?

Due to the diminished size of the stomach, the amount of food intake is heavily restricted. Moreover, a number of hormonal changes take place, which reduces the feeling of hunger, as well as the risk of health problems associated with obesity (for example, hypertension and heart diseases)

Surgical treatment should be considered only if you have tried hard enough to lose weight by exercising, diet and healthy lifestyle.

Who can be eligible for sleeve gastrectomy?

If you’re significantly overweight and want to make a lifestyle change, you may be a candidate for sleeve gastrectomy at Obesity Center 360. If:

> You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (extreme obesity).

> You have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 (obesity) and a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea.

> Your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health problems, you may be eligible for certain types of weight-loss surgery.

Obesity surgery isn’t for everyone who is overweight. To be eligible for weight-loss surgery, you may need to meet certain medical criteria. If you feel that you are meeting any of the criteria above, please feel free to contact Obesity Center 360 to get free consultation and help.

Preparing to Sleeve Gastrectomy

You will be expected to begin a physical activity program and stop smoking in the weeks leading up to your surgery. You can be restricted in what you may eat and drink before your operation, as well as which drugs you may take.

The procedure for a sleeve gastrectomy is performed in a hospital. Depending on your condition, your hospital stay will last 2 to 3 days.

The Procedure

Sleeve gastrectomy is done laparoscopically, which involves inserting small instruments into the upper abdomen through several small incisions. Before your surgery, you will be given general anesthesia. Anesthesia is a medication that keeps you asleep and relaxed during the surgery.

The surgeon creates a narrow sleeve by stapling the stomach vertically and removing the larger, curved part of the stomach during a sleeve gastrectomy. Surgical procedures usually last one to two hours. You awaken in a recovery room after surgery, where medical personnel keep an eye on you for any complications.

After the procedure

After sleeve gastrectomy surgery, the diet will consist of sugar-free, noncarbonated liquids for the first seven days, then pureed foods for three weeks, and finally normal foods four weeks.

In the first three to six months after a sleeve gastrectomy, you may notice the following changes as your body adjusts to the rapid weight loss:

> Mood changes

> Body aches

> Feeling tired

> Feeling cold

> Dry skin

> Hair thinning and hair loss

Result

Long-term weight loss is possible with a sleeve gastrectomy. The amount of weight you lose is determined by your lifestyle changes. Within two years, you can be able to lose up to 60% of your excess weight, or even more. In addition to weight loss, a sleeve gastrectomy can help to improve or overcome conditions associated with obesity, such as:

> High blood pressure

> High cholesterol

> Heart disease

> Obstructive sleep apnea

> Type 2 diabetes

> Stroke

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery will also help you improve your quality of life by improving your ability to perform daily activities.

We provide physiotherapy, postoperative follow-up, and care by our dietitian and specialist physiotherapists in our facilities at Esencan Hospital and 5-star Pullman Istanbul Hotel.