Gastric Sleeve Questions
With obesity increasing to epidemic proportions, various surgical methods are now being considered to fight the flab, but keep in mind that before going under the knife you should consider finding all the answers to your gastric sleeve questions.
Click here to read more about the Gastric Sleeve.
People search for new ways and different methods in order to get into good shape and become healthier, but despite this, there are still a staggering number of individuals who are obese and unhealthy. That’s why doctors are looking for solutions, and one of the best solutions today is gastric sleeve surgery. It is known to be safest and most effective weight loss procedures today. Here are some gastric sleeve questions that would help you get the needed information about the surgery and facts.
Common Gastric Sleeve Questions
This section will help you answer some of the more common gastric sleeve questions like:
- What is a gastric sleeve?
- Am I a candidate?
- How long is the recovery period?
- What are the benefits?
- What are the probable effects after the surgery?
- Are vitamins necessary?
- What should I eat afterwards?
- How many calories per day am I allowed?
- Are there any lifestyles changes?
- Are there any tips that will help me?
Gastric Sleeve Questions and FAQs
What Is A Gastric Sleeve?
This procedure is also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy. It involves removing a part of the stomach to reduce food consumption. It reduces the stomach size by about 80%, but it is much less invasive than other bariatric surgeries. Other than the reduction of the stomach size, the digestive system is not altered, so you will digest food normally. No apparatus will be inserted into the body, and no follow up surgeries are required. The gastric sleeve is a very safe, uncomplicated way to lose weight.
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Am I Eligible for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
If you suffer from obesity, and are 18 to 60 years old, you should be able to qualify. Individuals that are younger than 18 years old should be with have the consent of a parent/guardian to have this procedure completed. Here are some factors on the eligibility of patients according to the Bariatric Surgery Guide:
- You must attempt to lost weight for at least six months on your own, or with the advice of a dietician or family doctor.
- You must have a BMI of 40 or more, and with serious obesity-related health issue.
- You should have a BMI of 50 or more, with less severe weight-related issues.
People considering gastric sleeve will usually qualify if they have a BMI of 50 or higher, however if the BMI is under 50 and is obese, the person can still be a good candidate for a gastric sleeve. If you do not qualify for more invasive procedures, you may qualify for the gastric sleeve. To find out if you are a candidate, you should speak with your doctor about your specific case.
Click here to find out more about Gastric Sleeve Candidates.
How Long Is The Recovery Period After Surgery?
The initial recovery period will be a 2 day stay in a hospital, although it can last up to 4 days. During the first hours after surgery, you may experience some pain, which can be very strong, but it is normal especially just after surgery.
After a few days it might be difficult for you to stand and move but as days go by it will improve. Try to walk around a bit more each to keep the blood circulating. This will also help you slowly return to your everyday activities. Remember you are not allowed to put any unnecessary stress on your body so please don’t do it, this will only complicate things while you are healing. So you should not lift any heavy objects, or do any strenuous activity for about 14 days.
What Are The Benefits Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
- It is minimally invasive and is done laproscopically.
- Reduces the release of hunger hormones called ghrelin in the stomach, which reduces the feeling of hunger.
- Absence of dumping syndrome, unlike other bariatric surgeries. Dumping syndrome is quick movement of ingested food through the stomach into the small intestine resulting in nausea, diarrhea and many more unwanted side effects.
- No foreign apparatus in the body.
- Suitable for patients with history of surgeries or medical conditions
Click here for more Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery.
What Are The Probable Effects After The Surgery?
Most people who have undergone this weight loss surgery lost about 50% to 80% of their excess body weight in just over six months to one year period. Studies have also shown that after the gastric sleeve procedure people showed improvements in diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and sleep apnea in just 2 years.
Is It Necessary To Take Vitamins After You Have Undergone Gastric Sleeve?
With or without weight loss surgery, people have been taking vitamins, which is not a bad thing because it helps a person become healthier. With regards to the surgery, not necessarily, as long as you eat the right kinds of food which contain vitamins and minerals. If you experience low energy levels, then you may take vitamins. Some individuals have certain issues that will require that they take vitamins for the rest of their lives, but it is a small price to pay for a healthier life.
What Are The Foods That I Should Be Eating After A Surgery?
Some of the things you should ingest immediately following surgery are:
- Diluted juice/ sugar-free Jello
- Water
- Clear soup
- Pureed food after surgery
- Soft foods such as fish, chili, ground meat, eggs beans
- Cooked fruits and vegetables
An individual who just got out from surgery should remember to o introduce liquids up until soft solid foods in 2 weeks’ time. Take it one step at a time to avoid indigestion. Click here to read more about Eating After Gastric Sleeve.
How Many Calories Should I Take In Each Day?
On average, you should take about 500-800 calories in one day.
Make sure that you eat foods that are rich in protein. This helps in tissue repairing especially after the weight loss surgery. Once you are at the desired weight, you can increase to 1000 – 2000 calories each day, but you should heed the advice of your surgeon.
Are There Any Lifestyles Changes That I Need To Follow? If So What Are They?
Yes, there are some lifestyle changes that you should do in order to maintain your ideal weight;
- Regular exercise- this will keep your body active and tone as well
- Specific dietary plans such as eating very slowly, and small quantities of food consumption.
- Learning behavior modification techniques.
Click here to read more about life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery.
Are There Any Tips That Will Help Me?
Eat Slowly
Always remember not to rush when eating. Eating slowly will allow the food to gently pass through your stomach and intestines without any occurrence of blockage. A meal should take roughly 30 minutes to consume. If you feel full you should stop eating immediately. If you overeat then you might feel nauseated, plus you will stretch your stomach. One trick you can use is to put down the utensils after every bite, this helps you pace yourself and assess if your stomach is already full.
Chew Thoroughly
After surgery you should know that getting used to food is like being an infant again. You need some time to get used to food. Food should be chewed at least 25 times per bite. Trying to swallow food that has not been chewed properly will cause pain and vomiting, so it’s best to be careful and don’t indulge on big bites.
Change Where You Eat
Do not eat in front of the television for it may distract you from chewing your food up to the right consistency. Also, you shouldn’t read while you eat because we tend to eat more when we’re not paying attention to the food.
Use Smaller Utensils & Dishes
Using smaller utensils will force you to take smaller bites. Using smaller dishes will make those small portions look bigger. These are just some of the ways you can psychologically train yourself to eat less.
The Gastric Sleeve is a great way to lose that excess weight and can lead to a healthier, happier life. Didn’t see the answers you were looking for? Please follow the links for more info, or you can speak with your doctor to get answers to all of your gastric sleeve questions.
