Weight Loss Using Gastric Sleeve Surgery

By Estelle Larsen


Obesity and overweight can be surgically treated in a way that is not the same with cosmetic surgery. This is a form of weight loss where part of the digestive tract is removed in order to control absorption. Restrictive and Malabsorptive are types of surgery that can be done. Restrictive removes portion of the stomach in order for it to take in less amount food which cuts the over intake. Malabsorptive is a bypass in the tract where food no longer goes to either the gastric tract or the stomach.

The malabsorptive is no longer a stand alone surgery due to the complications of its side effects. Gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico would cost at a starting price of four thousand and six hundred dollars compared to in the United States which has a range of about fifteen thousand to twenty five thousand dollars. This type can most likely be stand alone as well.

Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is the full terminology. It removes eighty five percent of stomach leaving only a tube or small sleeve. The stomach can originally hold 3 pints or so of food, but after surgery it can only take just a couple of ounces. Although it will increase slowly and stretch after a few weeks and months.

An open procedure is done via several small incisions on the abdomen. A few instruments are slid inside to do the incisions and cuts. Also, a special tiny camera would be used as guide for the entire duration, hence it is called a Laparoscopic procedure.

In terms of treatment for obesity, this is a large approach. This is only an option where medicine, exercise, and diet, are no longer taking effect. The surgery is actually a modification from the bariatric procedure which includes the duodenal switch. It is then later included in the gastric bypass procedure. However currently, doing the bypass as a stand alone was too risky to be considered.

This takes about one and a half hours. The patient needs to stay in for two to three nights for recovery. The healing process is surprisingly fast and most patients are able to go back to their normal activities after three weeks.

A few complications may arise. Infection, blood clots, appetite loss, sleeve leaking, nausea, stomach pains due to esophageal spasms, and vomiting are what would likely to happen. Diarrhea is also possible due to dumping syndrome which dumps the food too quick towards the small intestines.

You will be guided by your doctor for a few months in terms of recovery and diet. During the first month, your stomach can only handle liquids and soft food for the healing process. It is essential to be constantly hydrated for the entire day. Bowel movements tend to become less often as well but this is normal after the surgery. Also, make sure to avoid constipation.

The success rate is high. For this type is at most sixty six percent which can be considered half or more of the original weight. Comparing it to the other procedures which can only be effective about forty one up until sixty two percent of the weight loss. Also, it is very important to go through the instructions from the doctor in maintaining safety from post surgery.




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