Who is a good candidate for gastric sleeve?

Not every obese person can qualify for a gastric sleeve surgery. A qualified physician will help to determine if a patient is eligible for the procedure. However, there are certain requirements that must be fulfilled so that the patient can be approved for the surgery..

A suitable candidate for a gastric sleeve surgery is someone who tried losing weight individually through a healthy diet and exercise but found it ineffective. A patient should have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more. A BMI of 30 to 35 is considered sufficient for undergoing gastric sleeve surgery if a patient is present with additional medical conditions related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes or arterial hypertension.

Bear in mind that surgery results greatly depend on a patient’s commitment to stick to a new routine and strictly follow doctor’s recommendations for a successful recovery. The right attitude towards physiological and psychological health is also undeniably important.

The benefits of gastric sleeve surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is a life-changing procedure which allows a patient to lose more than 60 percent of their excess body weight.

Studies prove that a significant reduction in one‘s weight causes a remission of serious health-damaging conditions, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, heart failure, osteoarthritis and back pain.

How to prepare for gastric sleeve surgery? What tests are needed?

Weight loss surgery is a life-altering decision to make, therefore, a patient should be prepared psychologically as well. The treatment does not start and end with just the surgery and is rather a choice of a new way of life. Therefore, patients need to be aware of numerous lifestyle alterations which are essential for successful recovery and life-long results.

Consultation

At first, the prospective patient should consult a general practitioner who will evaluate the patient’s eligibility and emotional well-being. This is an important step since obesity might result from stress or binge eating which have other treatment methods.

Bear in mind that the preparation process might start as early as a year before the surgery so that the patients lose at least 5-10 percent of their body weight. The medical team including a bariatric physician, a dietologist and a psychologist will put together a treatment plan and will follow-up with the patient during the pre-surgery period. Adopting healthy habits ensures a stable weight loss and a successful recovery period.

Smoking

A patient must refrain from smoking 8 weeks before surgery and preferably quit smoking altogether after surgery, as smoking increases the risk of complications by restricting the blood flow.

Medication

Also, consumption of some medications, especially blood-thinning drugs, should be discussed with the doctor a couple of weeks before the procedure.

Tests

Certain laboratory tests such as complete blood count are performed before the surgery.An electrocardiogram and a gastroscopy are also needed for an accurate assessment. In individual cases, the surgeon might suggest additional tests to be carried out as well.

Diet

Two weeks before the surgery a patient will have to stick to a certain diet and calorie goal. The main purpose of the pre-surgery diet is to shrink the patient’s liver in size by losing the fat around it so that it is easier for a surgeon to access the near lying stomach. In order to prevent regurgitation, the patient must not eat anything 6 hours before the procedure.

What are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery?

Acid reflux

Acid reflux can develop as a result of a reduced stomach size when gastric juice leaks into oesophagus and damages the mucosal layer. Therefore, antacid medication is recommended at least the first 3 months after surgery.

Staple line leaks

Staple line leaks may occur if the body fails to form a complete seal over the staple line which was used during the surgery to close the reduced stomach. However, stitching over the staple line reduces the risk of leakage to an absolute minimum.

Blood clots

Blood clots can form during general anaesthesia or during recovery period because blood moves more slowly through the veins than usual. In order to prevent blood clots a patient should start walking as soon as possible and refrain from smoking.

Dumping syndrome

Dumping syndrome occurs when food reaches small intestine too quickly. An early dumping syndrome is caused by a sudden influx of food which subsequently makes fluids from the bloodstream rush into intestines. This causes diarrhea and bloating. A secondary dumping syndrome is caused by starches breaking down too fast and causing sudden fluctuations in blood sugar level . Dumping syndrome can be avoided by adjusting portion sizes and choosing products carefully and trying each new product slowly and in small quantities.

What to expect after gastric sleeve surgery?

After gastric sleeve surgery a patient should expect to spend at least a few days at the hospital.

At first the patient will have intravenous pain relieving medications administered. When discharged from the hospital patient will be prescribed pain-relieving drugs to be taken at home.

The patients should wait 48 hours until having a shower and should avoid baths, pools and hot tubs for four weeks or until the wounds have healed completely and are dry. The patient will be advised on a more detailed wound care by the healthcare team.

The patient should expect to return to usual activities in about 2 to 4 weeks, but refrain from sports and strenuous training for 2 months. In order to ensure stable weight loss regular exercise, like swimming or walking, should gradually become a part of one’s life.

A specific diet will also have to be followed, which will be discussed in the next paragraph.

Moreover, patients also report having more vitality and energy to engage in new physical activities.

VERY IMPORTANT! It's the medical team at our partner clinics who will decide which medical procedures are best suited to each patient's situation! You are the only one, together with the doctors, to decide on the desired care.

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