Weight loss procedures are extensive surgeries that significantly impact the body’s metabolism and function. Here we delve deeper into the dramatic outcomes and potential risks of surgeries like gastric sleeve operations in Turkey and their influence on a patient’s postoperative lifestyle.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery: What is it?
A gastric sleeve procedure is a type of surgery intended for weight loss bariatric or weight loss surgery. It is also known as a sleeve gastrectomy. It is helpful for people with clinically significant obesity to achieve successful weight loss.
What Is the Goal of a Gastric Sleeve Procedure?
Almost 80% of the stomach is excised in a sleeve gastrectomy, and the rest is stapled to form a tube or sleeve-like structure. The shape closely resembles a banana. The purpose is to reduce the functional area of the stomach and decrease its size, thus making the patient feel full with smaller amounts of food.
The decrease in the size of the stomach also means that fewer hormones that make you feel hungry are secreted, resulting in decreased cravings and hunger.
Why is the Gastric Sleeve Done?
Many people around the world suffer from severe and morbid obesity. The weight gain is quite resistant to conventional weight loss interventions and leads to health and life-threatening conditions. Gastric sleeve surgery is an impactful way to see positive, significant, and sustained weight loss for such individuals.
It also leads to improvements in conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Raised cholesterol levels
- Fatty liver
- Sleep issues
- Joint pain
- Various types of arthritis
What Happens During the Process of a Gastric Sleeve Operation?
A gastric sleeve operation is among the most often performed weight loss surgical operations. The majority of the time, a laparoscopic method is used while under general anesthesia. A laparoscopic approach has a smaller incision size and faster recovery. For some patients, though, an open approach may be more suitable.
Before a gastric sleeve procedure, the cosmetic surgeons at Mayclinik have a detailed conversation with prospective patients to gauge their willingness to adhere to post-operative protocols and lifestyle requirements. This has a major effect on how well a sleeve gastrectomy goes and how long the results will last.
Is It Possible to Have a Tummy Tuck After a Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric sleeve surgery has remarkable results. Many patients lose approximately 60% to 70% of their overall weight. Such a significant weight loss leaves behind folds of loose and saggy skin that are unable to snap back due to deficient elasticity. This particularly applies to the abdominal region.
Many people coming to Mayclinik follow their sleeve gastrectomy procedures with a tummy tuck surgery to alleviate this problem.
Risks of a Gastric Sleeve
A gastric sleeve procedure offers successful weight loss by altering the anatomy of the stomach irreversibly. This leads to potential risks and a significant impact on the patient’s lifestyle afterward. It is prudent to mention that these risks are seen in less than 1% of patients undergoing the procedure.
General Risks
Like any surgery, a gastric sleeve also carries a potential risk of infection, wound leakage, bleeding, etc. Some people may adversely react to general anesthesia as well.
Scar Formation
Excessive scar tissue formation may happen in some people after stapling the stomach, which may further narrow the passage and lead to blockage of food. Scar tissue formation is a long-term risk of the procedure and manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting, and restrictions in eating.
Effects on Nutritional Status
A sleeve gastrectomy has a big impact on the nutritional status of the body. Smaller meals mean less nutrition. Supplemental nourishment is used after surgery to counteract this.
GERD
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. People with obesity already suffer from it. Many who undergo a sleeve gastrectomy report worsening GERD symptoms. Some may even develop it as a result of the surgery.
Effect on Gallbladder
The significant weight loss from a gastric sleeve procedure floods the bile in the gallbladder with higher-than-normal amounts of cholesterol. It leads to the formation of gallstones since the body has no way of quickly getting rid of this excess fat.
Gallstones lead to pain and discomfort after eating. Some people may need gallstone removal after a gastric sleeve procedure.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery In Turkey
Many people opt for weight-loss surgeries in Turkey because of its status as a versatile medical tourism destination. The procedure is more affordable here, and the safety profile of the surgeries is comparable to that of any international cosmetic surgical facility. There is a diverse choice of cosmetic clinics and hospitals offering state-of-the-art surgical care under the guidance of certified professionals for your healthcare needs.