The fight against obesity has become a major public health challenge as the problem of obesity stems from our lifestyles. In recent years, our eating habits have changed, and games consoles and tablets have invaded our lives. This has made us lazy, as we'd rather watch Netflix series than go to the gym.
The longer we're overweight, the harder it becomes to lose weight, and the more our bodies can't go back. That's when it's time to do something about it by performing: Sleeve gastrectomy.
What is a Gastric Sleeve surgery?
Gastric Sleeve is the partial removal of the stomach or gastric resection leaving only a small tube-shaped section.
As the most widely performed bariatric (obesity) surgery in the world, Gastric Sleeve involves:
- Reducing food portions and calorie intake.
- Reduction in appetite (absence of the sensation of hunger) and a sensation of rapid satiety due to lower levels of the hunger hormone (Ghrelin).
It is indicated for people whose body mass index (BMI) exceeds 35 kg/m², and who suffer from obesity-related illnesses. Indeed, overweight can cause disorders such as sleep apnea syndrome or high blood pressure. It may also be indicated for patients with a BMI of over 40 kg/m², even if they are not suffering from any complications.
Unlike gastric ballooning or gastric banding, this technique is irreversible.
How is the Sleeve gastrectomy performed?
In order to be well-prepared during the pre-operative period, you must :
- Have a preparatory assessment is carried out and any metabolic comorbidities, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea, are managed;
- Manage any eating disorders, such as bulimia or binge eating;
- Get a nutritional and vitamin assessment from a doctor in order to correct any deficiencies;
- Get an endoscopy;
- Have a dietary plan set up by the doctor, along with a therapeutic program and physical activity.
Sleeve surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts around two hours.
The doctor makes incisions in the abdomen and a tube, called a bougie, is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. This is used to calibrate the new stomach. Using automatic surgical forceps, the surgeon cuts the stomach and simultaneously sutures it with staples. The patient must then stay in the clinic or hospital for three nights before going home.
What are the post-operative complications?
After you go back to home, certain signs may occur, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Fever;
- Eating difficulties;
- Shoulder pain.
In these cases, you should contact your doctor. There is also a risk of leakage from the staples, which can cause an abscess (fistula). Regular medical follow-up is therefore essential. Strict adherence to feeding instructions greatly reduces this risk.
As with all surgeries, there is a risk of bleeding. It is therefore important to avoid taking anticoagulants just before or after surgery. Physical activity and psychological support are also necessary. However, pregnancy is not recommended during the first post-operative year, so effective contraception is recommended.
Am I a good candidate for bariatric surgery?
Not all bariatric surgeries are suitable for everyone. If you're overweight and want to get rid of it with a Sleeve, note that :
- Gastric sleeve surgery is irreversible. It should therefore only be used if dieting and exercise fail to get results.
- Bariatric surgery is recommended only if your BMI exceeds 35 kg/m².
- This type of surgery is contraindicated for patients suffering from severe metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes.
- If you suffer from severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, you are not a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
Can you put on weight even after a Sleeve?
Many of us think that bariatric surgery is a miracle solution for obesity, and this is not entirely untrue. Bariatric surgeries are highly effective and enable rapid weight loss. However, it's up to the patient to maintain the results obtained following Sleeve, balloon or gastric banding.
To avoid circumventing the effect of gastric sleeve surgery over the long term, you need to :
- Treat your eating disorder (if necessary);
- Split your meals (eat in small quantities, 5 small meals a day);
- Avoid soft drinks;
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid high-calorie foods;
- Engage in regular exercise
Why is Sleeve gastrectomy the most popular bariatric surgery?
Gastric Sleeve is considered the definitive solution to obesity. Of course, this is only possible if the patient adopts a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Complications following this surgery are very rare, as there are no foreign bodies introduced into the patient's body.
What's more, this technique does not require as much follow-up as gastric banding, bypass or balloon surgery. Weight loss following this surgery is also much greater than with other bariatric ones. In fact, up to 50% of excess weight can be lost in record time. This is why the majority of people suffering from obesity opt for this surgery, even if other alternatives exist.
