Aug 8, 2017
Sleeve Surgery – A Potent Weapon Against Excess Pounds
These days, it is no secret that almost 40% of the general population is battling excess weight. To deal with their weight problems, many of these people resort to a variety of surgical procedures. One of these is the gastric sleeve surgery, a procedure recommended for all those considered obese. As opposed to the majority of other weight loss surgical procedure, this one is considered less invasive, as well as more affordable.
Procedure
The surgery itself involves a surgeon removing more than 80% of the patient’s stomach, with the aim of leaving what resembles a tube or a sleeve. This surgery is performed laparoscopically, which means it requires a number of small incisions, instead of a single, large one. Once the incisions are made, a surgeon proceeds by inserting a small, camera-equipped tube, along with other essential elements. Once the procedure is finished, a surgeon will close the tube-shaped stomach with specially designed staples.
Follow-Up
After the surgery, a patient will lose a significant amount of weight. Once that happens, they may become a candidate for a gastric bypass surgery. This surgery is considered as a follow-up procedure, given how there are certain risks if it is performed at the same time as the gastric sleeve surgery. This entire weight loss method is known as a staged approach, which requires at least six months to pass between the primary and the follow-up procedure.
Recovery Time
Given that this procedure is performed laparoscopically, a patient will not have to spend a significant amount of recovery time in a hospital. In most cases, a patient will have to stay in a hospital for no more than two days. As opposed to the majority of other surgeries, this is much shorter, and that is why both patients and surgeons prefer the laparoscopic approach.
After The Surgery
In the wake of the surgery, a patient will most likely experience a tender abdomen and minor swelling for a few days. To make the patients feel less discomfort, the surgeons typically prescribe certain medications. Additionally, the patients will be advised to follow a particular diet program, one that is liquid-based only and which will last for at least two weeks after the procedure. After this period is over, a patient will be allowed to include pureed food into their diet program for another two weeks. After these two weeks have passed, the patient will be allowed to eat solid food.
Results Of The Surgery
The majority of patients who have undergone this particular surgery typically lose around 60 to 80% of their excess weight, usually within the first six months in the wake of the operation. Additionally, numerous studies have shown that many patients, who have undergone surgery, have also shown substantial improvement when it comes to high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as sleep apnea, all within two years after the procedure.
The gastric sleeve procedure is proven to be one of the safest and most effective weight loss procedures. If you want to get rid of excess pounds, you should definitely consider it. However, before you do anything, make sure to consult with your doctor, to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this type of surgery.
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