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Gastric Sleeve Surgery Ireland: What to Expect
Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is an effective weight loss procedure that has gained popularity worldwide, including in Ireland. It involves reducing the size of the stomach to help individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve overall health. If you are considering Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland, understanding the process, from consultation to recovery, can help you prepare for what lies ahead.
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland, including what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
At Tour Medical, we work with trusted Health Tourism Authorized clinics in Turkey to organize and coordinate your gastric sleeve journey, ensuring that you receive high-quality care throughout the process. Our partner clinics perform detailed evaluations and provide expert recommendations to help you determine if Gastric Sleeve Surgery is right for you.
Overview of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a type of bariatric surgery that involves removing approximately 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits the amount of food you can eat at one time, resulting in reduced calorie intake and long-term weight loss. The surgery also decreases the production of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger, which can help reduce appetite and promote healthier eating habits .
What to Expect Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland
1. Initial Consultation
The first step in your Gastric Sleeve Surgery journey in Ireland is to schedule an initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for surgery.
- BMI Requirements: Typically, a BMI of 40 or higher or 35-39.9 with obesity-related health conditions is required to qualify for surgery.
- Medical Assessment: Your surgeon will perform a medical assessment, which may include blood tests, imaging, and other diagnostic evaluations to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery .
2. Pre-Operative Preparation
Once you are approved for surgery, you will begin a pre-operative preparation phase that may last several weeks.
- Dietary Changes: You may be asked to follow a specific diet to help shrink your liver and reduce the risk of complications during surgery. A low-calorie, high-protein diet is typically recommended.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: You will need to make lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, as these habits can negatively impact your recovery.
- Psychological Evaluation: You may undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure that you are mentally prepared for the surgery and the lifestyle changes that will follow.
What to Expect During Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric Sleeve Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. It is usually done using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a laparoscope (a small camera) to guide the procedure. This minimally invasive approach reduces recovery time and scarring.
- Stomach Reduction: The surgeon will remove a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped pouch. The new stomach is about the size of a banana and can hold significantly less food, which helps with portion control and calorie reduction.
- Closure: The remaining portion of the stomach is stapled closed, and the excess part is removed. The incisions are then closed with sutures or surgical glue .
What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland
1. Hospital Stay
After Gastric Sleeve Surgery, most patients spend 1-3 days in the hospital for monitoring and initial recovery.
- Pain Management: You will be given pain medications to manage discomfort, which is typically minimal due to the laparoscopic approach.
- Hydration: You will start with small sips of water and clear liquids to stay hydrated while your stomach heals .
2. Post-Operative Diet
The post-operative diet is essential for promoting healing and ensuring the success of the surgery.
- Phase 1 (Liquid Diet): For the first 1-2 weeks, you will be on a clear liquid diet, including water, broth, and sugar-free gelatin. This allows your stomach to heal without the stress of digesting solid foods.
- Phase 2 (Pureed Foods): You will then transition to pureed foods for about 2 weeks. This may include protein shakes, smooth soups, and yogurt.
- Phase 3 (Soft Foods): By week 4, you can begin eating soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soft vegetables.
- Phase 4 (Solid Foods): After about 6 weeks, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods. It's important to eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly.
3. Activity and Recovery
- Light Activity: Gentle walking is encouraged as soon as possible to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Avoid Strenuous Exercise: Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance on when you can resume exercise.
- Return to Work: Most patients can return to work within 2-4 weeks, depending on the nature of their job .
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland
Choosing Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland offers several benefits:
1. Access to High-Quality Healthcare
Ireland is known for its high standards of healthcare, with experienced bariatric surgeons and modern medical facilities that adhere to international safety protocols .
2. Comprehensive Aftercare
Most clinics in Ireland provide comprehensive aftercare services, including dietary counseling, follow-up appointments, and support groups to help patients adjust to their new lifestyle and achieve their weight loss goals.
3. Insurance Coverage
In some cases, Gastric Sleeve Surgery may be covered by health insurance if you meet specific criteria. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered and any requirements for approval.
Potential Risks and Complications
While Gastric Sleeve Surgery is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications to be aware of:
- Leakage: There is a small risk of leakage from the staple line, which can lead to infection and require further treatment.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Due to the reduced stomach size, it may be challenging to get enough nutrients from food alone, so vitamin and mineral supplements are necessary.
- Acid Reflux: Some patients may experience acid reflux after surgery, which can be managed with dietary changes and medication .
FAQs About Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland
- How long does it take to recover from Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The recovery period typically takes 4-6 weeks, but most patients can return to daily activities within 2-4 weeks . - Will my insurance cover Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland?
It depends on your insurance provider and specific policy. Some patients may qualify for coverage if they meet certain medical criteria. - What diet will I need to follow after surgery?
You will progress through different diet phases, starting with liquids, then pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually solid foods over the course of about 6 weeks . - How much weight can I expect to lose with Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Most patients lose about 60-70% of their excess weight within the first 12-18 months after surgery . - What are the risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Potential risks include leakage, nutritional deficiencies, and acid reflux. However, complications are relatively rare. - How soon can I return to work after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Most patients return to work within 2-4 weeks, depending on the nature of their job and recovery progress . - Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery painful?
Some discomfort is normal, particularly around the incision sites. Pain can be managed with medication and typically subsides within a few days . - Will I need to take supplements after surgery?
Yes, vitamin and mineral supplements are necessary to prevent deficiencies due to reduced stomach capacity. - Can I drink alcohol after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
It is best to avoid alcohol, especially during the first year, as it can irritate the stomach and hinder weight loss . - Will I experience loose skin after weight loss?
Rapid weight loss can lead to loose skin. Exercise and a healthy diet can help minimize this, and some patients may choose to undergo skin removal surgery later . - Can Gastric Sleeve Surgery be reversed?
No, Gastric Sleeve Surgery is not reversible because it involves permanently removing a large portion of the stomach. - How can I prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Follow your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions, which may include dietary changes, quitting smoking, and attending consultations with a dietitian . - Will I feel hungry after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Hunger is usually reduced due to the removal of the portion of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin. Most patients experience a significant decrease in hunger, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet .
- How soon can I exercise after surgery?
Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery, but more strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks until your surgeon gives you clearance. - Can I travel after Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Ireland?
It’s best to avoid travel for the first few weeks after surgery to allow time for recovery and to ensure there are no complications. Consult your surgeon before making any travel plans .
Even if you are not a patient of ours, you can contact us with any questions you may have. Our patient coordinators will be happy to answer your questions.
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