Sleeve gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is one of modern weight loss methods based on restriction principle. The surgery results in reduction of food intake to the stomach by narrowing it surgically. This surgery is often called gastric sleeve resection which fully describes its nature. At the end of the procedure a narrow gastric sleeve is formed. This impedes solid food passing through this section.
Procedure of sleeve gastrectomy:
In the course of gastrectomy a surgeon removes the stomach fundus fully and a part of its body. Thus, a narrow banana-shaped “sleeve” is formed. All manipulations are performed using endosurgical suturing equipment.
As a result, a patient is unable to consume much food. The stomach food intake is restricted by the narrow “sleeve”. Stretching of the stomach also becomes impossible. When food is passing through the narrowed section a patient feels satiety because of pressure on the gastric walls. So, the volume of consumed food is reduced greatly.
Preparation to sleeve gastrectomy:
Before surgery a doctor orders a comprehensive examination in order to identify possible contraindications and determine the best treatment strategy. A patient provides blood and urine samples for testing. Blood is also tested for hidden viruses (hepatitis, syphilis, AIDS), the blood clotting ability and Rh factor are determined. ECG and chest ultrasound are carried out, the gastric cavity is examined.
Several weeks prior to surgery special dietary products facilitating weight loss due to receptor blocking are prescribed. It is important to loose at least 10% of weight.
Additional consultations with a dietitian and anesthesiologist are held. A dietitian develops a correct postoperative diet suggesting the reduced food consumption and, at the same time, including all vital nutrients. Mental condition of a patient and readiness to the procedure are evaluated.
If a patient has any current diseases and takes medicines a doctor should be informed about it. A week before surgery a patient must stop taking such medicines as aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid and any other drugs affecting the blood clotting ability.
A few days before the procedure a doctor can prescribe antibacterial therapy. No eating and drinking is allowed 8 hours before surgery. During this period the intestines are purged using purgatives and enema. Usually this surgery is scheduled to start the morning on an empty stomach.
Surgery/procedure duration: 2 hours
Anesthesia: general anesthesia
Postoperative period of sleeve gastrectomy:
A patient is transferred to a clinic ward to stay there for a few days following surgery. Initially, a patient is drip-fed. In 2 or 3 days a patient switches to special liquid diet. Then, normal food is introduced gradually. As soon as a patient is able to get out of bed it is recommended to start wearing special shoes and garments improving blood flow in the legs. It is also necessary to go for a walk daily.
The operated area must not get wet. The wounds are treated with antiseptic solutions daily. Taking a shower is allowed in a week. Visiting sauna and solarium should be avoided for a month after surgery. It is important to drive a car carefully, refrain from lifting heavy weights, and restrict the intensity of gym workouts for a week.
Moreover, it is possible to attend a psychologist consultations to cope with dramatic changes in the life and overcome stress.
In order to normalize the nutrition regimen it is required to consume food in small portions 5 or 6 times per day. It is allowed to eat max. 170 g of food at a time. Solid food must be properly chewed, protein intake should be sufficient and eating should be slow. A patient should drink water daily (1,5-2 liters).
If all recommendations of an attending doctor are followed a patient will be able to return to a normal life in 2 or 3 weeks.
