How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is a widely recognized weight loss procedure designed to help individuals struggling with obesity. This surgery works by permanently reducing the size of the stomach, limiting food intake, and promoting significant weight loss. If you're considering this procedure, it's essential to understand how it works, what to expect during surgery, and the recovery process.

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: What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery involves removing approximately 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a tube-shaped "sleeve." This smaller stomach restricts the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full faster. The procedure is performed laparoscopically, meaning small incisions are made, and a laparoscope (a small camera) is used to guide the surgery. As a result, patients experience fewer complications, faster recovery, and minimal scarring.

How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Promote Weight Loss?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery aids in weight loss in two main ways:

1. Reduced Stomach Size: With a smaller stomach, you can only consume small amounts of food, which limits calorie intake and supports gradual weight loss.
2. Reduced Hunger Hormones: The surgery removes part of the stomach responsible for producing ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger, resulting in fewer hunger pangs and an overall reduction in appetite.

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery Procedure: Step-by-Step

1. Pre-Surgery Preparation

   • Prior to the surgery, patients undergo several tests, such as blood work and a physical exam, to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.

2. Anesthesia

   • General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery.

3. Laparoscopic Surgery

   • The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope to guide the procedure. Special instruments are then used to remove the majority of the stomach.

4. Stomach Reduction

   • Approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a narrow sleeve that limits the amount of food that can be consumed.

5. Removing the Stomach Portion

   • The excess portion of the stomach is removed, significantly reducing the production of ghrelin, helping patients manage hunger.

6. Closing the Incisions

   • After the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed using sutures or surgical glue.

What to Expect During Recovery

1. Hospital Stay

   • Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days following the procedure for monitoring and pain management.

2. Post-Operative Diet

   • The diet after surgery is crucial for recovery. Patients begin with clear liquids, followed by pureed foods, and gradually move to soft and solid foods over 6-8 weeks.

3. Physical Activity

   • Patients are encouraged to start walking shortly after surgery to prevent blood clots. Strenuous activities can be resumed after 4-6 weeks with approval from a healthcare provider.

4. Follow-Up Appointments

   • Regular check-ups are essential to monitor progress, receive nutritional guidance, and address any concerns.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• Significant Weight Loss: Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight within the first 12-18 months.
• Reduced Hunger: By removing the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin, hunger is significantly reduced, making it easier to follow a healthy diet.
• Improved Health: Weight loss resulting from Gastric Sleeve Surgery can improve conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
• Minimally Invasive: The laparoscopic technique results in smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and faster recovery.

Risks and Considerations

While Gastric Sleeve Surgery is generally safe, there are risks to consider:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Patients may experience difficulty absorbing nutrients, making vitamin and mineral supplements essential.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Some patients may develop or worsen acid reflux after surgery.
• Leakage: There is a small risk of leakage from the stapled portion of the stomach, which may require additional medical intervention.

FAQs About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

1. How does Gastric Sleeve Surgery promote weight loss?
   The surgery reduces the size of the stomach, limiting food intake and reducing hunger through lower ghrelin production.

2. Is the procedure laparoscopic?
   Yes, the surgery is performed using a laparoscope, which minimizes scarring and shortens recovery time.

3. How long does the surgery take?
   The surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours.

4. Will I feel hungry after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
   Hunger is significantly reduced due to the removal of ghrelin-producing stomach tissue.

5. How much of the stomach is removed?
   Approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed.

6. What kind of diet will I need to follow after surgery?
   You will follow a liquid diet initially, progressing to pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually solid foods over 6-8 weeks.

7. How soon can I return to work?
   Most patients can return to work within 2-4 weeks, depending on the nature of their job.

8. Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery reversible?
   No, the surgery is permanent since a large portion of the stomach is removed.

9. What are the risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
   Risks include leakage, nutritional deficiencies, and GERD.

10. How long is the hospital stay?
    Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.

11. Will I need to take vitamins after surgery?
    Yes, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements are required to prevent deficiencies.

12. How soon can I exercise after surgery?
    Light exercise, such as walking, can begin shortly after surgery. Strenuous activities can be resumed after 4-6 weeks.

13. Can I still eat my favorite foods after surgery?
    Over time, you can eat smaller portions of your favorite foods, but a nutrient-dense diet is recommended.

14. How much weight can I expect to lose?
    Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight within 12-18 months.

15. Will Gastric Sleeve Surgery improve obesity-related health conditions?
    Yes, many patients experience significant improvement or complete resolution of conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

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 assist you.

Email: info@tourmedical.com