Answering 7 Frequently Asked Questions about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Published on April 7 , 2024 | 4 Minutes to Read

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Morbid obesity is a growing global concern. According to WHO, the number of obese people has more than doubled since 1980. Most people troubled by morbid obesity and other weight related disorders can get help from weight loss procedures such as Gastric Bypass, SIPS Surgery or Sleeve Surgery. If gastric sleeve surgery has been recommended to you or someone you know, it is important to know all you can about the procedure and have all your questions answered before giving the nod to the surgery. In this blog post, we answer seven frequently asked questions about Gastric Sleeve Surgery to help you better understand the weight loss procedure.

Basic FAQs regarding Gastric Sleeve Surgery –

1. What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is also known as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). It is a surgical procedure performed by laparoscopy in which the stomach is operated and reduced to a banana-shaped tube which is just 20-30% percent of the original size. The stomach sleeve reduces the size of the stomach resulting in hormonal changes that assist in lowering the BMI and weight loss.

2. How is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. During the surgery, 5 small incisions are created in the abdomen. Surgeons use small instruments and camera to perform the surgery. They remove half of the patient’s stomach, leaving just a thin vertical sleeve – about the size of a large banana using surgical staplers.

3. How is Gastric Sleeve Different from Gastric Bypass Surgery?

In Gastric Bypass Surgery, surgeon first reduces the size of the stomach and then attaches the pouch to the small intestine through a Y-shaped section. This creates a bypass for food, and it skips part of digestive system, resulting in absorption of fewer calories and nutrients and intense hormonal changes. In Gastric Sleeve Surgery, on the other hand, surgeon perform a stomach sleeve reducing it to just 20-30% percent of the original size.

4. How Effective is the Surgery?

Patients who undergo Gastric Sleeve Surgery and stick to their dietary requirements, can lose up to 70 percent of their excess body weight. It may also help combat obesity-related problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

5. Are There any Side Effects?

As with any surgery there are risks associated. With the sleeve gastrectomy the risks are minimal and the benefits far outweigh the risks. The best part is , you can still eat and drink normally albeit , good quality of food in smaller quantities.

Useful read – More FAQs on Morbid Obesity and Treatment Options

6. How Long is the Recovery Period?

The procedure results in small scars that are less painful than the ones resulting from open surgical treatments. Patients need not stay in hospital for a long time. Also, due to the lower risk of potential complications and postoperative pain, patients soon return to work and indulge in other activities. That said, patients need to develop healthy eating habits and adopt an regular exercise regime.

7. What Dietary Changes do I Need to Make After the Surgery?

Perhaps dietary changes are more important than the actual operation. After Gastric Sleeve Surgery, the patient needs to maintain a healthy diet and keep a check on what they eat. A balanced diet will help the body receive carbohydrate, protein, and fat in adequate quantity. Incorporating healthy eating habits enable patients to maintain their weight loss once their body has adjusted to the operation.

Final Few Words

Even though both procedures have high success rates, patients are often concerned as to whether or not they should even consider undergoing weight loss surgery. The answers given in the blog post can help you make up your mind with respect to undergoing Gastric Sleeve Surgery. If you are searching for a reputable bariatric surgery clinic in Australia, look no further than Perth Surgical & Bariatrics. We have a consistent record of successfully performing gastric sleeve for weight loss. Our surgeons and dieticians also dispense expert advice to patients on bariatric surgical procedures and after-surgery lifestyle changes. Book an appointment to know if you qualify for Gastric Sleeve Surgery. To learn more, fill out our contact form or call 08 65581901.