There has been a lot of talk about the Gastric Sleeve and how it is performed. But what does this surgery entail? How long does Gastric Sleeve Surgery take? This blog post will answer those questions as well as provide tips for success after Gastric sleeve surgery.
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric Sleeve surgery, also known as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and the stomach stapling procedure, is a weight loss surgery that reduces the size of your stomach to about 15% of its original volume – making it thinner and tubular in shape. The surgery is done through a small incision in the abdomen, which reduces the length of the recovery time.
How long does gastric sleeve surgery take?
The entire procedure takes about an hour to perform under General Anesthesia. Once you are admitted into the hospital, you will be hooked up to an IV drip so that you are properly hydrated. Then the surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen, removing your excess fat. The surgery is then performed by running the remaining stomach into the incision and dividing it into two sections. One section of the stomach is formed into a tiny tube which is called a sleeve; this part that remains in the body will produce feelings of fullness and thus reduce your desire for food. The other part of the stomach is then stapled off; this will form a pouch that holds the narrow tube called the sleeve. This process reduces your appetite and makes you feel full quicker when you eat. Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon will sew up your incision using surgical suture, which generally dissolves by itself.
How long does it take to recover from Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The stomach stapling procedure is not very invasive and has a relatively short recovery time compared with other types of weight loss surgery. Most patients are able to leave the hospital just one or two days after surgery, although you may have to stay in the hospital for a few more days if complications arise. You can expect to feel a lot of discomfort and pain after undergoing the procedure, but the pain is generally mild and manageable with medication. Once at home, you will experience some bloating and indigestion because your stomach has been reduced in size significantly. Also, you may feel that your stomach is still full when it shouldn’t be. But this feeling will eventually go away in a few weeks’ time when your digestive system adapts to the new size of the stomach. You are likely to have loose bowel movements for at least several days after surgery because of food residue in your gastrointestinal tract.
You will be prescribed pain medication to take care of the discomfort so that you can function normally during your recovery period. Your doctor may give you a liquid diet for around three days after surgery because solid food or very chewy foods may be too difficult to swallow and digest. You will only be allowed liquids such as clear broth, tea, water, and other thin liquids. After 3 days, you can gradually reintroduce solid food into your diet, starting with soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes. You will probably be able to return to work in about a week but avoid lifting anything heavy or strenuous activities until you completely recover from the surgery.
How long does it take for vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) to work?
It typically takes between 3 and 6 months after the surgery for you to start feeling its full effects. Most patients experience a dramatic weight loss within the first few weeks after the surgery. Although over time your appetite will gradually reduce, it is recommended that you follow a healthy diet to maintain your new slender shape. You should not overeat, or you will simply regain the weight that you lost.
Learn more: Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico Cost.
How long does it take to lose 90% of your excess body weight?
On average, patients can be expected to lose about half their excess body weight within 6 months of VSG surgery and most eventually achieve a total loss of this excess body fat. However, it is important to bear in mind that the slower you lose weight, the greater your chances of keeping off your weight loss. If you are not able to stick to a restricted diet or have difficulty eating less food, then gastric sleeve surgery may not be for you.
Note: The above content comes from different sources on the internet; if you need any further assistance or want to verify the content, it’s best to consult a clinic for gastric sleeve in Tijuana, Mexico.
How long can you expect the results of gastric sleeve surgery to last?
There are no definitive statistics that provide an accurate answer to this question. However, it can be said that people who lose weight gradually and adopt healthy eating habits usually do well in maintaining their new slender shape after surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is not recommended for patients who have unrealistic expectations of losing all their excess fat immediately after the operation.
People who undergo VSG surgery will likely need to take vitamin supplements for the rest of their lives. You should also avoid foods that are high in sugar and starch because such foods may contribute to rapid weight gain.
Gastric sleeve surgery is a great solution for those who are looking to make permanent changes in their lifestyle. If you’re considering undergoing the procedure, it’s important that you know what to expect before and after your operation. Once you have all of this information at hand, we hope that these tips will help ease some anxiety about one of the most life-changing decisions people can ever make. We hope this article has been helpful and that you’ve learned a thing or two about gastric sleeve surgery.