Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a highly effective weight loss procedure gaining popularity worldwide, including in Ireland. This surgery involves removing a significant portion of the stomach, resulting in a sleeve-shaped stomach that limits food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness. If you’re considering this life-changing surgery, you likely have numerous questions. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
How Should I Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Preparation involves medical evaluations, nutritional counselling, and psychological assessments. Patients may need to follow a pre-surgery diet to reduce liver size and improve surgical safety. Quitting smoking and avoiding certain medications as advised by your surgeon are also crucial steps.
What Happens During the Surgery?
In Blackrock WeightCare we perform this operation by robotic surgery or laparoscopic surgery, and the operation takes about 45 minutes. The surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach and staples the remaining part into a sleeve shape. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
What is the Recovery Process Like?
Recovery involves a gradual return to normal activities. Most patients can return to work within 2-4 weeks, depending on the nature of their job. A strict post-operative diet is necessary, starting with liquids, then progressing to pureed foods, and eventually solid foods. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress and nutritional intake.
What Are the Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The primary benefits include significant weight loss, improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnoea), and enhanced quality of life. Many patients experience improved mobility and psychological well-being.
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose?
Most patients lose about 60-70% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. The amount of weight loss varies depending on individual factors such as adherence to dietary guidelines and exercise routines.
Will I Need to Take Supplements After Surgery?
Yes, patients need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies due to the reduced stomach size and altered digestion. Common supplements include multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor nutrient levels.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Impact Lifestyle?
Post-surgery, patients must commit to lifelong dietary changes, including eating smaller portions and focusing on nutrient-dense foods. Regular physical activity is also important for maintaining weight loss and overall health. Support from healthcare providers, support groups, and possibly a psychologist can be beneficial in adjusting to these lifestyle changes.
Can Gastric Sleeve Surgery be Reversed?
Gastric Sleeve Surgery is considered a permanent procedure. While it cannot be reversed, it can be revised if necessary. In some cases, patients may require conversion to another type of bariatric surgery if they do not achieve sufficient weight loss or develop complications.
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance policies cover bariatric surgery in Ireland, including gastric sleeve, if certain criteria are met. This often includes documentation of body mass index, obesity-related health conditions and previous attempts at weight loss. It’s important to check with your insurance provider and work with your healthcare team to provide the necessary documentation.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Affect Mental Health?
Undergoing gastric sleeve surgery can have significant psychological impacts. Many patients experience improved self-esteem and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety as they lose weight and gain better control over their health. However, the emotional adjustment to body changes and dietary restrictions can be challenging, and psychological support is recommended.
What Dietary Changes are Required Post-Surgery?
After surgery, patients must adhere to a structured diet plan. Initially, this involves a liquid diet, followed by pureed foods, and then soft foods before gradually reintroducing solid foods. Long-term dietary guidelines emphasise high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods, and avoiding high-sugar and high-fat items. Portion control is crucial due to the reduced stomach size.
What Role Does Exercise Play After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Exercise is a key component of maintaining weight loss and overall health after surgery. Patients are encouraged to start with light activities, such as walking, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of their workouts. Regular exercise helps to build muscle, boost metabolism, and improve cardiovascular health.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Compare to Other Bariatric Procedures?
Gastric sleeve surgery usually results in significant weight loss, though perhaps not as much as a gastric bypass operation. The choice of procedure depends on individual health conditions, weight loss goals, and lifestyle preferences.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a powerful tool for weight loss and improving overall health, but it requires a serious commitment to lifestyle changes. Understanding the procedure, preparation, benefits, and post-operative care can help patients make informed decisions and achieve successful outcomes. If you have more questions or are considering this surgery, visit our Gastric Sleeve Surgery page for more detailed information or visit our contact us page to book an appointment at Blackrock WeightCare.
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