Gastric Sleeve FAQs
Being severely overweight or obese can have a huge impact on a person’s life. Daily tasks can become more difficult when a person is carrying around excess weight. Unfortunately, the more weight that a person has to lose, the more difficult it can be to lose it through diet and exercise alone.
Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach to encourage significant weight loss. Gastric sleeve, or VSG surgery, is one popular bariatric technique. Here, specialists from Oasis of Hope Bariatrics, which serves Tijuana, Mexico, and surrounding areas, provides answers to gastric sleeve FAQs, so that people can learn more about this life-changing weight loss technique.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Promote Weight Loss?
Gastric sleeve surgery promotes weight loss by dramatically reducing the size of the stomach. During the procedure a surgical stapler is used to create two portions of the stomach, one of which will be long and slender, much like the shape of a sleeve or banana. The larger portion of the stomach is removed, leaving patients with a stomach that is roughly 10 percent of its original size. This stomach can hold far less food, so patients feel full faster and have an easier time losing weight.
How Long Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Last?
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically, which means that it does not require a large incision. The procedure is usually completed fairly quickly. Most gastric sleeve surgeries are completed in about 60 to 90 minutes.
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Safe?
Any surgery carries a degree of risk, but gastric sleeve surgery is considered a very safe procedure when performed by a skilled and knowledgeable surgeon. The risk of complications is low because the procedure is performed laparoscopically and because the intestines are unaltered by this bariatric technique.
How Much Weight Will I Lose?
Exact weight loss results will vary after gastric sleeve surgery. The amount of weight lost depends largely on how overweight our Tijuana patients are prior to the procedure. On average, patients can expect to lose between 60 and 80 percent of excess weight in the months following gastric sleeve surgery.
Will the Weight Stay Off?
Gastric sleeve surgery is an effective tool when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off. However, it is not a guarantee. If patients want to maintain their weight loss results long-term they will need to make lifestyle changes, including adopting a nutritious diet and an active exercise plan. Fortunately, gastric sleeve surgery greatly reduces appetite for most people, which makes it easy to avoid overeating, and as weight is lost most people find that it is much easier and more comfortable to exercise.
How Long Is Gastric Sleeve Recovery?
Gastric sleeve surgery often requires an overnight stay in the hospital. Most patients are released the day after surgery. Following gastric sleeve surgery, patients are likely to experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, weakness, and pain. Patients should rest as much as possible after surgery and follow all post-surgical instructions to promote healing. Generally, patients are able to resume their normal routine within four to six weeks after surgery.
What Will I Be Able to Eat After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
During the initial phase of gastric sleeve recovery our Tijuana patients will be on a diet of clear liquids. As they recover they can progress to regular liquids and then soft foods. Eventually they will be able to resume a normal diet. The main difference is that portions will be much smaller. Patients are encouraged to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugars, as well as foods that are highly processed. Instead, they should opt for lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
Contact Us
If you have more questions about gastric sleeve surgery, or would like to learn about the other bariatric techniques offered at Oasis of Hope Bariatrics, our specialists would be happy to meet with you. To schedule a personal consultation, send us a message online, or call (619) 690-8417.
