Gastric sleeve surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves removing a portion of the stomach. This reduces the amount of food that can be eaten and also decreases hunger by affecting hormones that control hunger and fullness.
Gastric sleeve surgery is less invasive than other types of weight-loss surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery, and has fewer risks and complications. It can also be reversed if necessary.
Gastric sleeve surgery usually results in significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Most people who have gastric sleeve surgery are able to lose about 60% of their excess body weight.
Gastric sleeve surgery can also help to improve quality of life. Gastric Sleeve Surgery is an effective procedure for weight loss. It creates a new stomach, which holds less food and liquid. A person will lose a lot of weight after the surgery, and it has very few cons.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Some gastric sleeve pros and cons are largely positive. Some patients have reported a higher quality of life, improved self-esteem, improved physical activity, and increased social life. Some individuals who underwent the procedure report an increase in their physical and social activities.
In addition, the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders found that they no longer had trouble finding clothes. They also reported that they no longer had difficulty buying certain types of clothing. A recent study published in the Journal of Obesity showed improvements in patients’ self-esteem.
A surgical sleeve reduces the gastric capacity by approximately 1 to 1.5 quarts, depending on the size of the patient. This results in a significant reduction in food intake and reduced GERD symptoms.
The surgical results were overwhelmingly positive in these patients. A patient with GERD should be evaluated for the best fit. He or she should consult with a gastroenterologist before undergoing the surgery.
Pros of Gastric Sleeve Surgery are:
- Improved social sife
- Improved physical activity
- Improved self-esteem
- Remission for diabetes type 2
- Improved overall health
- Relief of depression due to body image issues
- Joint pain relief due to less body weight
- Increased libido and improved fertility
- Less invasive surgery
- Reduces size oThinner waist
Improved blood pressure and choleste pros of gastric sleeve surgery are many. Now, let’s check the cons.
Disadvantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
As mentioned earlier, gastric sleeve surgery has many advantages, but it is also a controversial procedure. It can be dangerous for both men and women. The results are often not permanent and the surgery may cause complications. Some women have a higher BMI than men, and this can increase their risk of cancer.
The main disadvantage of gastric sleeve surgery is its side effects. As with any major surgery, the procedure is permanent, so patients will need to follow a strict diet for the rest of their lives.
For the first week after the procedure, patients can only eat liquids containing sugar. After the first week, they can introduce pureed foods. After three weeks, they can have regular foods. The patients must take their prescribed vitamins and minerals and must take calcium supplements.
The biggest downside of this surgery is that you must quit smoking at least 3 months before the operation. Other disadvantages include the fact that you will need to take supplements for the rest of your life. The procedure is not for everyone, however.
The most common gastric sleeve surgery complication is nausea, which usually improves as you recover. The reason for the nausea is that the surgery makes the food stay in the stomach longer, and medication can help relieve nausea.
Cons of Gastric sleeve surgery are:
- Sagging skin
- Hair loss
- Irreversible operation
- Risk of bleeding or leaking
- Temporary soreness around abdominal area
- Restrictive diets post-surgery
- Strict work-out plan post-surgery
- No smoking before surgery
- Vomitting and dehydration post-surgery
- Weight regain is possible post-surgery
- Nutritional deficiency
After gastric sleeve surgery, the skin around the stomach area may start to sag. This is because the gastric sleeve surgery removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller stomach size. As a result, the skin that was once stretched around the larger stomach may now appear loose and saggy.
In addition, weight loss can also contribute to skin sagging. As the body loses weight, the skin may not have as much support and may start to sag. However, there are several ways to help prevent or minimize skin sagging after gastric sleeve surgery.
For example, patients can maintain a healthy weight, wear compression garments and avoid smoking. By following these tips, patients can help to reduce the risk of skin sagging after the surgery.
Another potential gastric sleeve surgery complication is hair loss. The smaller sleeve holds about two ounces of food, which means patients feel fuller faster and eat less overall. Hair loss after gastric sleeve surgery can be distressing for patients because it’s often a visible side effect.
Hair loss typically starts around three to four months after surgery and improves after six to twelve months. The good news is that it is usually temporary and not permanent.
Long Term Effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The long term effects of gastric sleave surgery vary greatly, depending on your personal recovery and lifestyle. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you can expect to experience a marked improvement in your quality of life four years after surgery.
Most people will lose the weight they need and keep it off in this time frame. Other long-term effects of the procedure include increased mobility and reduced stress on joints.
After gastric sleeve surgery, patients are usually advised to follow strict dietary guidelines for a few months. Some patients resume a normal diet after a few months. They must choose nutritious foods and take vitamins after the procedure.
These vitamins are required for the rest of their lives. Generally, patients can expect to achieve their goal weight ten years after the procedure.
In addition to weight loss, gastric sleeve patients may also experience a reduction in other co-morbid conditions. These long-term benefits include lower rates of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Those who adhere to their doctor’s diet and fitness program will enjoy improved health and longevity. There are several other long-term effects of gastric sleeve, including increased energy levels and self-esteem.
Surgical side effects of gastric sleeve are rare. In most cases, the procedure will only take 60 to 90 minutes. However, a brief stay in the hospital may be necessary.
The surgery itself may result in temporary side effects. While recovery is not difficult, patients should be aware that they must follow a special diet plan for the rest of their lives. They must continue to take a multivitamin, calcium supplement, and vitamin B-12 injection every month.
Resources:
https://www.longstreetclinic.com/advantages-disadvantages-of-gastric-sleeve-surgery/