Weight Loss Using Gastric Sleeve Surgery

By Estelle Larsen


A lot of health problems in terms of weight can be solved in a few ways through surgery. Overweight and obesity can be surgically treated that is different from cosmetic procedure. There are two known types which are Restrictive and Malabsorptive Surgeries. Restrictive type takes away a portion of the stomach so it can hold lesser amount of food for quicker digestion. Malabsorptive type tends to create a bypass within the digestive tract, either the stomach or gastric tract, so it would not take in calories.

The malabsorptive is no longer a stand alone surgery due to the complications of its side effects. Gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico would cost at a starting price of four thousand and six hundred dollars compared to in the United States which has a range of about fifteen thousand to twenty five thousand dollars. This type can most likely be stand alone as well.

The full term is Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy which is a restrictive surgery. It cuts away up to eighty four percent of the stomach leaving a small sleeve or tube as the remaining part of the stomach. Previously the stomach would hold about three pints of food, but afterwards it will only be able to take in a few ounces but would gradually increase.

A small incision is made in the abdomen which is an open procedure. It is done by making few small incisions and utilizing small instruments. It is called laparoscopic because a small camera would be slid inside as guide.

Having this approach is a huge step for treatment in obesity. This should be considered when the methods for medicine, exercise, and diet have no effect on the patient anymore. This surgery type is actually part of an overall procedure called the duodenal switch. Is is later on included as part of the gastric bypass procedure. The bypass is no longer done in a stand alone process due to a lot of risks and complications.

The entire surgery lasts about one to two hours. Also, the patient has to remain in the hospital for a few more nights for monitoring. Overall healing process can last a month or three weeks. Some of the patients were able to heal that fast and has gone back to their daily activities by that time.

Of course, since this is very risky, there are some complications that might happen if not well monitored. Sleeve leaking, infection, blood clots, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, and stomach pains due to esophageal spasms. There is also a possibility where food goes down too fast towards the small intestine that it causes diarrhea for the patient, or also known as the dumping syndrome.

You will be guided by your doctor for a few months in terms of recovery and diet. During the first month, your stomach can only handle liquids and soft food for the healing process. It is essential to be constantly hydrated for the entire day. Bowel movements tend to become less often as well but this is normal after the surgery. Also, make sure to avoid constipation.

The recorded success rate on the weight loss of most patients is about sixty six percent. That is more than half of their initial weight compared to the loss of other procedures which goes from forty one to sixty two percent. It is important to follow the instructions of the doctor as well to maintain safety of recovery. A realistic approach and added methods for weight loss would definitely help as well.




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