A relatively new bariatric procedure performed for weight loss is the gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), gastric sleeve resection or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.The procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach using stapling devices while leaving the small intestine and both ends of the stomach intact. It has proven to be beneficial for super obese people struggling with weight issues for a long time.
The gastric sleeve surgery promotes weight loss by reducing the stomach’s size permanently and thereby restricting the consumption of food. The surgery is the first part of a two stage procedure where the surgeon removes three-quarters of the stomach along the outside curve of the stomach. The new belly takes the shape of a narrow tube which runs along from the esophagus to the small intestine. The reason why the surgery is done in 2 parts is to make it safer for obese patients with a BMI of over 60.
Gastric sleeve surgery was initially performed in England in 2002 as a weight loss procedure for people with a BMI of over 35.Studies show that the results have been effective and quite safe. Since then numerous surgeries have been carried out in USA and Europe with high success results. According to a proven research study, a hormone called ‘GHRELIN’ induces hunger in people, slows down metabolism, decreasing the body’s ability to burn fat. Gastric sleeve surgery removes this hormone produced in the stomach. When this hunger inducing hormone is stopped from being produced, the appetite automatically decreases. The surgery works in two ways to become an effective weight loss procedure. One is by reducing the stomach size and secondly extricating the hormones that create hunger pangs.
Advantages of gastric sleeve surgery includes: There is no dumping syndrome associated with surgery. The results in 40-60% of weight loss with in a year of the surgery. Less invasive and does not involve cutting or altering the intestine. Not excessive nutritional supplements required. It is considered less risky for patients with high BMI. No external or foreign device is placed inside the body. Normal food can be consumed after the surgery although in small quantities Safer for patients with pre existing medical conditions.
Disadvantages of gastric sleeve surgery include: The surgery is non reversible as a part of the stomach is removed permanently. Procedure is not covered by insurance. In the long run, the new stomach sack may stretch. There is not enough data to support long term results.
The surgery takes around 2-3 hours to perform and the patient is given general anesthesia. Patients are put on liquid diet after the surgery and once the body heals, the diet is slowly changed from semi solid, pured food to normal solid foods. Patients can start eating normal food about 1 month after the surgery.
Usually after the surgery, an overall many patients notice an improvement in their medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and blood pressure. Of course, weight loss is on ongoing process and the gastric sleeve surgery is only a step towards promoting weight loss and it is in the hands of the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle thereafter.
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Tags: Gastric sleeve surgery, health, Health and Fitness, healthcare, weight loss surgery
