What Is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the stomach and upper part of the small intestine. It is one of the most prevalent procedures in the world. Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of gastric bypass surgery.

It involves splitting the stomach into two separate sections and remove it. The stomach is then sutured back to create a new, smaller stomach. This surgery can be performed on both men and women.

Who Are Eligible for Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The scope of sleeve gastrectomy is very broad. Sleeve gastrectomy can be done for various reasons such as preventing the growth of cancerous tumors in the stomach, preventing obesity, treating digestive system diseases.

The number of people who have sleeve gastrectomy is increasing every year. There are a variety of gastric sleeves available. Sleeve gastrectomy is a treatment for various diseases including obesity and diabetes. It is appropriate for those who need to lose weight quickly and improve their health.

How Long Does a Sleeve Gastrectomy Take?

A sleeve gastrectomy procedure can vary between 40 minutes and 1 and a half hours. Sleeve gastrectomy is a procedure to reduce the size of the stomach. It varies based on the person’s overall health and the extent to which the stomach will be reduced. The procedure is generally short.

Which Is the Most Common Method for a Sleeve Gastrectomy?

There are different methods for sleeve gastrectomy. The most commonly used method is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This method is frequently preferred because it is both effective and easy to apply by surgeons. It’s also easier to get through the healing process.

How Much Weight Do Those Who Have Sleeve Gastrectomy Lose?

Weight is lost gradually after the operation. Typically, 10 to 20 kg are lost in the first month. A weight loss of 30 to 40 kilograms is noticed after the third month of sleeve gastrectomy. To lose these weights, the patient should follow a strict diet and the doctor’s instructions.

Is There an Age Limit for Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Everyone recognize that the stomach is a very important organ in the body. It is in the abdomen and is responsible for the digestion of food. Gastric surgery can be performed on people between the ages of 18 and 65. However, the decision of surgeons is not solely based on the patient’s age. Health status, weight, and other factors are also considered.

How the Diet Should Be After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Diet is very important after the surgery. During the first month, the patient should have a liquid diet. Mashed food are then added to the diet. Doctors monitor the patient’s nutritional process, and appropriate transitions are made on a regular basis.

Can Sleeve Gastrectomy Be Used on Anyone With Weight Problems?

People who have weight problems often wonder if sleeve gastrectomy is suitable for them. This procedure is not suitable for everyone. The person’s body mass index should be above 35. It stands out as a method that can be performed on patients in the morbidly obese category.

How Long Does It Take to Return to Normal Routine After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

It takes some time for patients to return to their normal lives after surgery. Patients’ recovery from surgery can take up to a week in general. After a sleeve gastrectomy, one week is usually acceptable for light work activities, while those doing heavy work should wait one month.

Will There Be Any Scars After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The surgeon decides how many small incisions is needed during the operation. Since the incisions are about 1 cm, there will be no scars. An open operation, unlike a laparoscopic procedure, may leave scars due to the high number of sutures and the big incision.

Is It Possible to Regain Weight After Surgery?

Surgery can help people lose weight, but they must also pay attention to their diet in order for this to be permanent. It is normal for a person to gain weight again if they do not pay attention to their lifestyle, do not eat healthily, and do not follow their doctor’s instructions. Following a sleeve gastrectomy, it is important to pay attention to both nutrition and lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy weight.

Is Sleeve Gastrectomy Risky? What Is Are the General Risks?

As with all surgical operations, sleeve gastrectomy has risks. Reflux, gastric leaks, and regaining lost weight are all potential side effects of this procedure. However, it should be noted that these risks are minimal. If the procedure is performed by specialist physicians, the risks are very low.

Diet After Gastric Surgery

The stomach’s capacity is significantly reduced after the procedure. Patients should follow a healthy diet based their stomach capacity. Especially in the first month, the diet should consist of fluids and mashed food. Afterwards, working with a dietitian to create a plan and adhering to it is the best method to lose weight in a healthy way while also protecting the body.

Is There Any Pain After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

General anesthesia is used in the surgery. Local anesthesia is also used in the surgical area. So, you will not feel any pain at first due to the anesthetic effect. However, it is normal to have mild pain after the effect of anesthesia wears off. These pains are manageable with prescription drugs.

The Risk and Symptoms of Leakage After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Although unlikely, there is a risk of leakage after the operation. In such a case, immediate intervention is required. High fever and abdominal pain may indicate that the patient has a leak.

Are Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Used After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Since the diet changes after the operation, some vitamins may not be taken in sufficient amounts. To avoid any health problems, vitamin and mineral supplements can be used to address vitamin deficiency. The doctor is the one who will make the decision.

Exercising After Sleeve Gastrectomy

People who want to exercise should consult first their doctor. In most cases, the patient can start with light exercise after a month. It is possible to gradually increase the pace as long provided you avoid heavy exercises. In this case, a doctor’s advice is essential.

How Many Days Will You Stay in the Hospital After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The length of stay in the hospital after surgery varies for each patient. If sleeve gastrectomy is successful and the patient is not at risk, it is usually sufficient to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. This time is prolonged if there is a risk of complications.

Does SSI Cover Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The coverage depends on various factors. If the patient’s body mass index is over 40 and has a serious weight-related health problem, the surgery may be covered. If these conditions are not met, the surgery is not covered by the insurance.

When Do Sutures Heal After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The sutures in the inner part of the stomach heal up yo 15 days. Complete recovery takes up to a month. Correct wound care is important to prevent infection and to have a smooth operation.

Prices for Sleeve Gastrectomy in 2023

The technique used during surgery, the surgeon’s experience, patient’s comorbidities, hospital and health center pricing policy affect prices. For price information on sleeve gastrectomy, you should contact the hospital or health center.