What is a Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery procedure in Turkey. During the operation, approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed and the stomach is shaped like a small tube or banana. Although it varies from person to person, a normal stomach volume is 1-1.5 litres. After the surgery, the stomach capacity is reduced to 100-150 ml. The purpose of a gastric sleeve surgery is to reduce the stomach volume and to help patients lose weight by eating less.
Since the part of the stomach that secretes the hunger hormone (gherelin) is also removed while the stomach is reduced, your feeling of hunger is suppressed and your food portions are reduced. All this makes it easier for you to lose weight and helps you maintain the weight you lose. Full commitment to your new eating habits and lifestyle is necessary for long-term success.
How the Gastric Sleeve Works
At Turkey Bariatrics, many tests, analyses, examinations and controls are performed on the patient before gastric sleeve surgery. If everything is normal after the evaluations of Cardiology, Radiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Endoscopy and Anaesthesia specialists, the patient is accepted for surgery.
A gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically under general anaesthesia. Laporoscopy is a closed surgery technique performed through small incisions and the patient is intervened through these small incisions (4 or 5) by means of special instruments. The procedure takes an average of 1-2 hours.
On the first day following the operation, there may be tension or pressure in the stomach, for which painkillers can be administered. Patients start walking on the evening of the day of the surgery.
Who is a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
If you meet any of the following criteria, you may be a candidate for a gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey.
- You are between the ages of 18-65,
- Your body mass index (BMI) is over 30,
- You have tried conventional diet and exercise programmes to lose weight and failed,
- You do not have any other health problems that may cause excess weight gain,
- You are ready for long-term lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise and medical requirements
In special cases such as uncontrolled diabetes and severe sleep apnoea, you can also have sleeve gastrectomy with a BMI of 30, but the surgeon will make the final decision during your consultation.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
There are many benefits you can expect after a gastric sleeve surgery. When you have less weight, it becomes much easier for you to move. This means you can enjoy a range of new activities that can improve your overall fitness and health.
Gastric sleeve surgery also has some potential health benefits linked to weight loss. For example, it has been proven to correct a number of health problems such as Type 2 diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure). If you suffer from these conditions, gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey may be suitable for you.
The advantages of gastric sleeve surgery compared to other weight loss surgeries are as follows:
- Since the part of the stomach that secretes the hunger hormone (gherelin) is also removed, the feeling of hunger is reduced.
- The duration of surgery is shorter than the gastric bypass.
- It does not redirect the intestines like gastric bypass. Food is processed naturally, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are less common.
- There is no dumping syndrome in gastric sleeve surgery.
- No foreign body remains in the body. The gastric band leaves a silicone band at the top of your stomach. It also requires doctor check-ups for band adjustments.
Possible Risks and Complications of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, gastric sleeve surgery has various risks and complications. These may vary depending on the patient’s age, medical history and weight.
Problems such as lung infection and wound infection, which can occur after all surgeries, can also be seen after gastric sleeve surgery. Most of these are mild. Some of them may prolong hospitalisation. These complications can be reduced with measures such as the use of antibiotics, deep breathing exercises and mobilisation in the early postoperative period.
The patient may experience swelling in the abdomen, constipation in the intestines, nausea or vomiting. In the following periods, the patient may have reflux disease. Due to overeating, the stomach may expand and the patient may gain weight again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
How long will I stay in hospital after a gastric sleeve surgery?
A gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically and typically requires patients to stay in hospital for 4 nights after surgery. In rare cases, this period may be prolonged if clinically necessary.
Can I get pregnant after a gastric sleeve surgery?
You can get pregnant after a gastric sleeve surgery, but we strongly recommend that you wait 1 year for pregnancy. Since there may be a decrease in vitamin and mineral levels especially in the first year after the operation, it may be unfavourable for the baby.
In addition, a gastric sleeve surgery has a positive effect on pregnancy and childbirth. Firstly, when you lose weight, your fertility increases and you are much more likely to get pregnant. Secondly, losing weight will result in a significantly lower risk of complications. For both you and your baby.
How much weight will I lose with a gastric sleeve surgery?
Weight loss after a gastric sleeve surgery varies from person to person depending on many different factors. In general, you will lose approximately 60-70% of your excess weight within 12-18 months after the surgery. Depending on your eating habits and exercise routines, you can also lose more weight.
Will my hair fall out after the gastric sleeve surgery?
Although rare, hair loss may occur after a gastric sleeve surgery. However, this is due to the lack of substances that can nourish the hair. The most important cause is protein deficiency. In addition to protein deficiency, deficiency of B vitamins, folic acid, iron and zinc can also lead to hair loss.
