Sleeve Gastrectomy
An Introduction To Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
WHAT IS A SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY?
A Sleeve Gastrectomy reduces the stomach capacity by 75% or ¾ , leaving the stomach function virtually intact but restricting intake of food and fluids. The greater curve of the stomach is the part mainly removed to achieve this change in structure.
WHY IS A SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY PERFORMED OVER A FULL GASTRIC BYPASS?
Bypass operations can be lengthy and complex procedures; for some high-risk patients with a very high BMI and associated health problems, it may not be advisable for them to undergo a full bypass procedure straight away. If this is the case, then a Sleeve Gastrectomy is recommended as the first part of a two stage operation, the second stage typically being a future conversion to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or the duodenal switch.
However, some patients will lose enough weight with a sleeve gastrectomy alone that they do not need to undergo a second stage operation. In recent years, sleeve gastrectomy is increasingly being performed as a stand alone weight loss procedure with good outcomes. However, the longterm results are still being evaluated. If a second operation (Roux-en-Y Bypass) is required this will usually be done between six and twelve months after the Sleeve Gastrectomy, depending on the amount of weight loss achieved.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY?
You may be a good candidate for a Sleeve Gastrectomy either as a single procedure or as part of a staged procedure and this will be fully discussed with you at your initial consultation with the consultant bariatric surgeon.
Because of the permanent and life changing nature of this surgery, patients must meet a strict selection criteria before they can be considered for this procedure, which is as follows:
- Patients must have a significant history and long-term experience of diet failures
- Patients must demonstrate a genuine desire to overcome their obesity problems
- Patients must make a full commitment to finally getting their weight under control and for the significant diet related changes that will be necessary following surgery
- Patients must become well educated about their condition and fully understand both the benefits and the risks of the weight loss surgery they are considering
- Patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 to 39 with other obesity related health problems
- Or, patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above
HOW IS A SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY PROCEDURE CARRIED OUT?
This operation reduces the stomach by about 75%. The stomach is divided vertically from top to bottom, which, although making the stomach smaller, will not alter its function. This allows a patient to eat much smaller meals but to still feel full for longer on those smaller portions.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?
Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally encouraged to be as mobile as possible as soon after surgery as possible to avoid complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) from developing. Patients will be on fluids only throughout their hospital recovery and their abdomen will feel bruised and uncomfortable, although any discomfort will be controlled with pain killing medication as far as possible.
Patients who recover well are normally discharged home 2-3 days after surgery. Following discharge, patients are strongly advised to stay gently mobile at home.
Patients will be advised to take a specific amount of recovery time away from work, dependent on the type of work they do, but it is usual to take around two weeks off and to refrain from any strenuous exercise for at least 8 weeks following surgery.
Patients are discharged with strict meal planning advice, but in the first weeks after surgery the majority of patients will be unable to tolerate anything other than a very light and soft/liquid diet in very small volume. Gradually a patient's ability to tolerate most types of food will improve, although the volume of food they are able to consume in one intake will be substantially and permanently reduced.
Patients will be well supported throughout their recovery by a specialist dietician, who will advise and guide patients through the changes to their diet that will be necessary through the rest of their life.
Patients can lose between 50 and 65% of their excess weight in the first twelve months following a Sleeve Gastrectomy.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY SURGERY?
All surgery involves an element of risk from developing complications. Risks such as bleeding, delayed healing, scaring, infection, nausea and vomiting, bowel perforation or leakage will all be discussed openly at consultation with Mr Agwunobi, as well as his scrupulous efforts to manage and minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.
Smoking will adversely affect wound healing and smokers are strongly advised to stop smoking prior to surgery to avoid potential risks associated with smoking particularly breathing problems. Where effects of smoking are likely to adversely affect the outcome of the surgery in an individual person, he/she may be precluded from having this type of surgery as a result.
Although Gastric Bypass Surgery is regularly performed without any complications, all surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation with Mr Agwunobi to discuss your understanding and expectations in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.
Cutting your calorie intake with the help of Gastric Bypass Surgery has more advantages than just guaranteed weight loss. Here are the top 9 benefits of Weight Loss Surgery:
1. Effective And Maintainable Weight Loss
If you have spent years failing to lose weight or become disheartened after piling on the weight you have just struggled to lose then bariatric surgery will ensure that the weight loss you achieve is more easily attained and maintained. Weight loss surgery will stop the 'yo yo' effect so commonly experienced with normal diet regimes. Studies have shown that the majority of weight lost over 5 years with normal diet and exercise regimes is regained over the proceeding five years - if this sounds familiar to you? then obesity surgery could be the most ideal solution to this problem for you!
2. Improved Quality And Quantity Of Life
Nearly all weight loss surgery patients report to having developed a newfound sense of well being after successful surgery. Common feedback suggests that being able to at last focus on other activities other than just focusing on where the next meal will come from brings a tremendous sense of freedom and improved quality of life. In addition, energy levels improve tremendously as weight loss occurs and increases, giving a new opportunity to take on new hobbies and activities that throughout obesity were difficult or even impossible.
3. Improved Appetite Control
Following successful weight loss surgery patients typically report that they are relieved to find that their eternal feelings of hunger and continual pre-occupation with food decreases and diminishes dramatically allowing a new focus on getting into shape and leading a healthier and more fulfilling life style.
4. Improved Health
Obesity related health issues are serious issues and will eventually lead to significant health deterioration and an early death. After successful weight loss surgery you can expect to experience a dramatic improvement or cure in the following conditions:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- High Cholesterol
- Heart Disease
- Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
- Respiratory problems
- Joint And Back Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Cardiovascular Function
- Infertility
5. Improved Self -Esteem
If you have struggled with your weight for years the long-term sense of guilt, embarrassment, shame and lack of self-esteem can take its toll. Following successful weight loss surgery the vast majority of patients report that they begin to feel proud and less self conscious and embarrassed as their weight loss progressively increases. The positive feelings of gaining confidence and control over a life that has been blighted by long-term obesity related issues are profound.
6. Looking Good
A slimmer healthier body is a pleasure to dress and look after and as patients start to loose their pounds and look better, they also tend to take greater pride in their outward appearance and begin to pay more careful attention to their wardrobe, hair or make-up. Successful weight loss candidates report that shopping for regular sized clothes becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.
7. Relations and opportunities
It's sad but true that your size and outward appearance can prejudice and influence the perception and attraction of others at work, at home and within relationships. Most successful weight loss surgery candidates experience a most positive and supportive reaction from those around them to their weight loss efforts and in turn report that favourable opportunities in relations, lifestyle and at work seem to increase as their weight decreases.
8. Mobility And Comfort
Most patients who have endured long-term obesity suffer with physical pain and discomfort of some sort or another as their weight escalates. Following weight loss surgery what may have been an overwhelming challenge pre-operatively becomes increasingly achievable, manageable and comfortable.
9. Economic Benefits
Living in a thin persons body rather than an obese persons body can have a significant and positive impact on your grocery bills - the economic benefits of not having to eternally search and shell out for the next large meal and have a continually packed fridge and freezer is a significant financial benefit to all successful weight loss surgery candidates.
Are You Ready For the Next Step?
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I AM A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY SURGERY?
If you wish to find out if you are a suitable candidate for Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery, Mr Agwunobi will carry out a full evaluation of your individual needs and circumstances and provide you with a comprehensive verbal and written explanation of any recommended treatment or surgery.
Mr Agwunobi understands the importance of the weight loss surgery you are contemplating and throughout your consultation you will be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any treatment or not.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about gastric banding and discover if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, please telephone 0161 432 2061 , email or use the Contact form to organise a consultation appointment.