Maybe you’ve consulted with your doctor and decided together that gastric sleeve surgery is the best option for you. Or, perhaps you’re doing research before you make your decision. Either way, knowing what to expect after gastric sleeve surgery will help you have the best possible outcome.
To understand more about your recovery, it will help to understand more about exactly what happens during the surgery.
In general, the stomach’s capacity is about one liter, though it can stretch to accommodate more — even up to four liters, which is more than a gallon. People who eat past the point of feeling full experience this.
In gastric sleeve surgery, about 80 percent — more than two thirds — of your stomach is simply removed. What remains is a tubular section that resembles a banana, the “sleeve,” which connects your esophagus to your small intestines. (The name may be confusing; some people believe that a sort of “sleeve” is used to compress the stomach. That’s not the case. The name simply reflects the appearance of the stomach after the surgery.) The remaining part of the stomach is sealed closed with staples or stitches.
The procedure is done laparoscopically, meaning that your abdomen is inflated with gas after you are anesthetized and the surgery is done through small incisions. Because of this, your hospital stay most likely will be short; two to three days is typical.
Since your stomach is significantly smaller after the procedure, the amount of food you can eat is vastly reduced. This alone would result in substantial weight loss, but removing part of your stomach also affects the level of your gut hormones, which help control your blood sugar and your feelings of hunger and satiety. You will not feel as hungry, and you will feel full sooner.
Due to these combined effects, it is likely that you will lose up to about 70 percent of your excess weight within a year. Expect to lose:
In addition to the weight loss, several other health conditions will likely improve or go away entirely including diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, asthma and cholesterol issues.
Even though it is a laparoscopic procedure, don’t lose sight of the fact that gastric sleeve surgery is major surgery. Recovery can be painful at first, and you will tire easily. Knowing what to expect goes a long way toward alleviating uncertainty. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
Gastric sleeve surgery isn’t easy, but neither is being morbidly obese. If you are taking this step forward for your health, ask your surgeon for his or her expectations, and plan ahead for your recovery. The positive effects of your surgery can last a lifetime.
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