Gastric Sleeve surgery is a relatively new weight loss surgery also technically known as gastric sleeve resection, sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. It is a part of the duodenal operation and involves removing the 2/3rds of the lateral side of the stomach with a stapler-like device. It is also a keyhole surgery but is not reversible. It basically transforms a stomach sack into a stomach sack.

The gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive type of bariatric procedure that reduces the size of the stomach permanently by restricting intake of food. The surgery is usually performed as the first part of a 2 stage surgery. The second part of the surgery usually performed at a later stage involves duodenal switch surgery or gastric bypass. The purpose of the two part surgery is to make the procedure safer and less risky for patients with a BMI of over 60 or those with complex medical conditions.

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.

Learn more about theGastric Sleeve Surgery. Stop by Jessica Sharpe’s site where you can find out all about Gastric Sleeve Surgery and what it can do for you.

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