Gastric Sleeve Information

Gastric Sleeve Information

This section will provide some gastric sleeve information for those who are relatively new and unfamiliar with the various bariatric surgery procedures.

The gastric sleeve procedure is the most up-to-date form of bariatric surgery, only recently has it been used as a stand-alone treatment, but more bariatric surgeons are using this method as it is minimally invasive surgery, and it can help you safely reach a healthy weight within in 2 years.

Click here to find answers to common Gastric Sleeve Questions.

Gastric Sleeve Information – How It Works

The gastric sleeve is a restrictive method of weight loss. The intention of the gastric sleeve is to decrease the normal size of the stomach by about 80- 85%. This is done by eliminating the greater curve of the stomach in such a way that what will be left will be a cylindrical shape, or shaped just like a sleeve. The part of the stomach that was removed produces the hormone called Ghrelin that stimulates hunger. After the surgery, your hunger will diminish. The outlet of the stomach that leads to the duodenum will not be affected by the gastric sleeve surgery which to a great degree will preserve the stomachs function.

Gastric Sleeve Information – How It Is Done

The procedure can be performed by both the open route or the via key hole route. When the keyhole is done via keyhole, it is referred to as laproscopic surgery. The laparoscopic method is widely preferred over the open approach for the reason that there is much less scarring, the recovery period is faster and the hospital stay is brief.

To perform this procedure laproscopically, a small cut will be made around the navel. A body friendly gas will be introduced in the stomach. What the gas will do is expand the stomach to provide enough room for the surgeon to operate.

A thin instrument called a laproscope is then introduced in the stomach with a camera attached on the end. The camera will then give the surgeon a good view of the inside of the stomach with a clear image being transported to the video monitor.

Another two or three more long instruments will be introduced via a tiny opening on the belly. With the help of these instruments and the camera, the doctor will then proceed in slicing off the greater curve of the stomach.

Staples will be then be applied to close the stomach back up, and the stomach will then be deflated by letting the gas out.  The stomach and then the incision will be sutured and closed. Now you will have a stomach that is shaped like a sleeve or a tube.

Gastric Sleeve Information – Qualifications

You may qualify for the gastric sleeve operation if you have one or more of the following:

• Your current BMI is 40 and above.
• You can also qualify even if your BMI is 35 to 39 provided you suffer from obesity related illness like elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and type II diabetes.
• You do not have an alcohol dependent problem.
• You have difficulty with the recurrent follow up visits that is required by other bariatric surgery like the gastric band, gastric bypass or the roux en y procedure as it is also well known.
• You do not suffer from any mental health concerns
• You are not apprehensive on the long term health risks or the complications on the gastric bypass.

Gastric Sleeve Information – Advantages Of The Procedure

• Fast recovery and brief hospital stay when done laproscopically
• Safer than gastric bypass
• No nutritional deficiency like anemia, osteoporosis are expected following the surgery
• No adjustments are needed (unlike a gastric band)
• Inexpensive type of procedure when you compare it with other weight loss surgeries
• No foreign objects are placed inside the body (such as a gastric band or gastric balloon)
• The digestive function of the stomach is preserved as the normal flow will not be affected by the procedure
• It decreases the manufacture of the Ghrelin hormone that is responsible for the stimulation of hunger
• After the gastric sleeve surgery, you may lose a considerable amount of weight in the first 12 months of the procedure

Gastric Sleeve Information – What Happens After Surgery

• You will need to spend at least a day or two in the hospital if the operation will be done laproscopically, but you may need to be hospitalized a bit longer if it is done through an open approach
• Pain killers might be needed for about a week or two if open approach is done
• You will be started on a liquid diet for the first two weeks or thereafter to permit the raw areas of the stomach to repair
• If you have a steady and satisfactory recovery progress then you will advanced to a semi solid diet for about 4 weeks
• Solid food will be gradually introduced to your daily diet after a few weeks
• It is essential to learn to eat small amount of food, and to chew the food thoroughly before you swallow it

Gastric Sleeve Information – Health Advantages

• The intent of the gastric sleeve surgery is to limit the amount of food that you ingest
• Those that have enough discipline after the procedure can expect to see positive results in losing 60 – 80% of the excess weight
• You will be able to live longer without the risk of developing reduced obesity-illnesses
  18 months after the surgery there had been evidence that showed improvement in:

• Blood Pressure
• Type II Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Cholesterol Level
• The limited food intake will help you to lose the weight and keep it off for life
• You will experience a positive change in your attitude, a higher confidence level, and an overall improvement in your mental well-being

Gastric Sleeve Information – The Cost

Gastric sleeve information regarding the cost of the operation depends on the regions and the center where your operation will be done. Your insurance provider may be able to cover for the cost of the operation.

It is not easy to find gastric sleeve information regarding an exact figure for the surgery but as an estimate you can expect to pay from $6,500 to $11,000. For an accurate estimate on the cost, it would be best to speak with your bariatric surgeon for more gastric sleeve information.