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The Sleeve Gastrectomy, also known as Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a restrictive technique that consists in reducing the stomach capacity by removing the left portion of the stomach vertically, especially the gastric fundus, as it is here where the appetite-stimulating hormone (ghrelin) is produced. The patient then has a smaller stomach, in the shape of a tube or "sleeve," which allows them to feel satisfied after eating smaller amounts of food, with a notably reduced appetite too.

Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Sleeve Surgery is indicated as a once-only procedure to be performed on patients with a Body Mass Index 40 (or BMI 35 with associated co-morbidity). Its practice is also recommended for patients with a Body Mass Index greater than 60, since these patients have a very high risk of intra and postoperatory complications. In some of these cases (patients with a BMI 60), the Gastric Sleeve Surgery could be performed as a preliminary step before a Gastric Bypass, by which time patients will have lost a lot of weight and, consequently, will have a much smaller risk of having any complications. This second procedure is usually performed 12 to 18 months after the first surgery.

With the Gastric Sleeve Surgery most patients can experience a loss of 50% to 60% of their excess weight over a period of 6 months as well as a loss of 70% to 80% of their excess weight over period of 12 months. although In addition, Sleeve Gastrectomy have a lower incidence of surgical complications than with the Gastric Bypass, but with a similar initial loss in weight. This procedure preserves the continuity of the stomach with the rest of the intestine, and requires no derivations or intestinal anastomosis, and avoids the rapid dumping syndrome by preserving the integrity of the pyloric sphincter.

Among other advantages, Sleeve Gastrectomy presents fewer medical complications associated to nutritional deficiencies and it requires a simpler medical control than the Gastric Bypass. The recovery is very fast, needing an average of 2 days’ hospitalization, and the patient can go back to work as from the seventh day. This is why this surgery has started to be proposed as the only technique for losing weight.

 
 
The Gastric Sleeve Surgery, compared to other bariatric procedures, offers patients a better quality life thanks to a fast post-operatory recovery, no necessary prosthesis –as in the case of the Gastric Band–, no need for strict check-ups and with a long-term weight loss quite similar to that of the Gastric Bypass.

Dr. Dick Manrique is a bariatric surgeon from Lima Obesity Surgery Center. There he performs Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve Surgery) by laparoscopy, with a two-days hospital stay. The results are quite satisfactory if the patient has been well selected and comply the instructions for its success.

 
 
» What will my diet be like after my Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
» What complications does Gastric Sleeve Surgery have?
» How long will I need to stay in hospital?
» Will my medical problems improve after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
» What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery’s success rate?
» Can I get pregnant after my Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
» Will I need any plastic surgery for the excess skin once I have lost an important proportion of my weight?
 
 
 
What will my diet be like after my Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

During the first month after Gastric Sleeve Surgery, you are advised to go on a diet based fundamentally on, soups, broth, juices and any kind of liquid. After the first month, you begin with food which becomes progressively solid, by adding vegetables, fruit, fish and, lastly, meat. You are advised to have five small meals a day, to chew the solid food well and stop eating as soon as you feel satisfied. You must not have beverages while you are eating, since it can make you feel satisfied before you have had sufficient food. Have them one or two hours after your meal. Avoid eating between meals and eat good quality food only, especially those that are essentially rich in proteins and vitamins. Vegetables and dried fruit, meat, eggs, bread and cereal are good foods to choose from. You should avoid foods that are rich in fats or glucose. You are advised to drink sufficient liquid during the day, but to avoid drinks with many calories.

 
 
 
What complications does Gastric Sleeve Surgery have?

The complications of Gastric Sleeve Surgery are similar to those of any other abdominal surgery and include bleeding, infection and obstruction. They will also depend on the associated co-morbidities and on the surgeon’s experience. However, Gastric Sleeve surgery has shown a lower rate of postoperatory complications compared to other kinds of bariatric surgery.

 
 
 
How long will I need to stay in hospital?
In general, patients are admitted on the same day of surgery and generally remain in hospital for an average of 2 days.
 
 
 
Will my medical problems improve after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
After the surgery, some diseases associated to obesity (co-morbidities) have been known to improve or even heal. High blood pressure is cured in 60-65% of the cases and improves in 90% of them. Diabetes mellitus is cured in 90% and improves in 100% of them. Cholesterol and triglycerides alterations are cured in 65% of the cases and improve in 90% of them. There are also other significant improvements in asthma, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and other co-morbidities.
 
 
 
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery’s success rate?

Most patients can expect an excess weight loss in the order of 70 to 80% in a period from 12 months, only with the Gastric Sleeve Surgery. In the case of super obese patients (BMI 50), performing of a second procedure will depend on the weight loss, typically after 12 to 18 months; however, most patients who suffer from morbid obesity do not require a second procedure to help them reach their ideal weight and can experience an excess weight loss in the order 70% after a 4 year follow-up.

 
 
 
Can I get pregnant after my Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
Morbid obesity produces infertility and many women cannot become pregnant, and if they do, there is a serious risk for the baby’s and mother’s health. Once operated on, your chances of becoming pregnant are much higher than when they were obese, and it is necessary to exercise control during the initial period, as you are advised not to become pregnant immediately. The recommendation is for you to avoid pregnancy during the first year after the operation. After that period, your body situation is ideal for pregnancy, just like for any healthy woman in her fertile period.
 
 
 
Will I need any plastic surgery for the excess skin once I have lost an important proportion of my weight?
This is not always the case. As a general rule, plastic surgery will not be considered at least for some two years after the operation, as the skin will mold around the new body tissue. Give the skin the time it needs to adjust before deciding to undergo further Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery. Abdominal dermolipectomy or repair of the hanging cutaneous tatter of the abdominal fat is considered only when deemed necessary and the patient demands it.
 
 

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