This topic will help you learn about Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery and how to prepare for it.
What is Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve surgery, is a medical procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is removed using a laparoscope inserted through 2–5 small incisions in the abdomen, with the goal of weight loss. The laparoscopic instruments cut and staple the stomach at the same time. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
After the surgery, the patient feels full after eating a small amount of food due to the reduced stomach size, in addition to experiencing less hunger than before, because of the decreased production of the hunger hormone.
When is Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery performed?
Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve surgery is performed for weight loss and to reduce complications related to obesity, such as:
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Sleep apnea or obstructed breathing during sleep.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Stroke.
Sleeve gastrectomy is performed in the following cases:
- If a person has severe obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
- If a person has a BMI of 35–39 or higher, along with obesity-related complications such as chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea, and has difficulty losing weight.
How do you prepare for Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
- Complete all blood tests, laboratory work, and imaging required by the surgeon.
- You may be asked to follow a low-calorie diet for several weeks before surgery.
- Try to regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure one month before surgery.
- Stop using tobacco products 6 weeks before surgery.
Before surgery:
- You will be asked to sign a consent form granting permission for the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
- You will be asked about the last time you ate or drank; if the procedure requires anesthesia, you will be instructed not to eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery.
- Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to medications or anesthesia.
- Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements you are taking.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders, or if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants), aspirin, or other drugs that affect blood clotting. You may be asked to stop these medications before surgery.
- You may be given medication to reduce stomach acid; this also helps dry secretions in your mouth and airways.
- Follow any other instructions your doctor provides to prepare.
