Oct 29, 2014

Risks And Effects Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery For Weight Loss

Tags

By Estelle Larsen


Obesity and overweight can be surgically treated in a way that is not the same with cosmetic surgery. This is a form of weight loss where part of the digestive tract is removed in order to control absorption. Restrictive and Malabsorptive are types of surgery that can be done. Restrictive removes portion of the stomach in order for it to take in less amount food which cuts the over intake. Malabsorptive is a bypass in the tract where food no longer goes to either the gastric tract or the stomach.

Because of complications, the Malabsorptive type is no longer done as stand alone. The likely price for a gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico can start at forty six hundred dollars. In the US it would range from fifteen thousand dollars to about twenty five thousand. This procedure can be stand alone.

The full term is Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy which is a restrictive surgery. It cuts away up to eighty four percent of the stomach leaving a small sleeve or tube as the remaining part of the stomach. Previously the stomach would hold about three pints of food, but afterwards it will only be able to take in a few ounces but would gradually increase.

A small incision is made in the abdomen which is an open procedure. It is done by making few small incisions and utilizing small instruments. It is called laparoscopic because a small camera would be slid inside as guide.

Having this approach is a huge step for treatment in obesity. This should be considered when the methods for medicine, exercise, and diet have no effect on the patient anymore. This surgery type is actually part of an overall procedure called the duodenal switch. Is is later on included as part of the gastric bypass procedure. The bypass is no longer done in a stand alone process due to a lot of risks and complications.

After the one to about two hours of the procedure, the patient should stay inside the hospital for another three to four nights for close monitoring. The healing takes about a month or less depending on the physical health of the patient. Some of them tend to be fully healed and has gone back already to their regular activities in just two or three weeks.

Of course, since this is very risky, there are some complications that might happen if not well monitored. Sleeve leaking, infection, blood clots, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, and stomach pains due to esophageal spasms. There is also a possibility where food goes down too fast towards the small intestine that it causes diarrhea for the patient, or also known as the dumping syndrome.

You will be guided by your doctor for a few months in terms of recovery and diet. During the first month, your stomach can only handle liquids and soft food for the healing process. It is essential to be constantly hydrated for the entire day. Bowel movements tend to become less often as well but this is normal after the surgery. Also, make sure to avoid constipation.

The success rate in weight loss can go more than half of the excess weight of the patient which is about sixty six percent. You can compare this to other bariatric procedures which is about sixty two to forty one percent. Making sure to follow the guidelines from the doctor and a realistic approach with the weight loss could help a lot. As well as being physically active and having a healthy lifestyle.




About the Author: