Gastric Sleeve
Bariatric Surgery
Gastric sleeve or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a new type of bariatric surgery (a weight loss surgery) for treating people who are overweight.Obesity is a life-threatening disease; It affects people with various backgrounds and lifestyles. Obese people find it hard to engage in normal daily activities and are prone to all kinds of fatal diseases such as diabetes or heart disease.
Gastric sleeve surgery in Iran
Read more ... Hide full articleHow gastric sleeve is done
Gastric sleeve involves cutting out a large portion of the stomach until about 15% of the stomach is left. There are two major types of gastric sleeve:
- Normal Sleeve: About 80% of the stomach is removed. This method is for people with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of more than 40.
- Mini Sleeve: About 60% of the stomach is removed. This method is undergone by people with a BMI that is between 30-40.
One way or another, the procedure permanently removes a majority of your stomach. Whatever is left of the stomach looks like a vertical tube or a sleeve with the size of a banana. The remaining sections of the stomach will hold a smaller volume of food (and calories) that can be consumed. It should be noted that sleeve gastrectomy is a physical as well as an emotional procedure. That's why some patients are required to visit a psychologist when considering gastric sleeve.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
In most cases, sleeve gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically. That is, the surgeon makes some incisions in the abdominal area and inserts a camera (laparoscope) along with some surgical instruments through these incisions. The surgeon will then use them to operate the procedure. It is a popular way of performing sleeve gastrectomy. One of the most important benefits of this technique is that the scars will be almost invisible. The procedure will approximately take 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
Will gastric sleeve work for me?
If you have a BMI between 30-50, are suffering from problems associated with obesity and have unsuccessfully tried other non-surgical weight-loss methods, you can certainly be a candidate of gastric sleeve. It is a very efficient procedure with a fast recovery. You can see immediate weight loss within the first six months and the side effects will be minor. Patients with diabetes or PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) can benefit from the procedure; studies show that in some cases, VSG helps improve the symptoms of PCOS. It is vital that you stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine to ensure a fast recovery and optimal outcome.
BMI range
When it comes to Gastric Sleeve or any type of bariatric procedure, BMI or Body Mass Index is a vital element to be taken into consideration. It determines whether the person needs to undergo the surgery or not; and if so, what type of sleeve gastrectomy he/she should try. Patients with a BMI higher than 30 are candidates for gastric sleeve surgery. Calculate your BMI
Sleeve surgery weight loss timeline
With the gastric sleeve surgery, the weight-loss process begins almost immediately. Approximately 70% of your body's excess weight will be gone within a couple of years. With the proper diet and exercise, you will see more weight loss too. Your post-op average weight loss estimations can be as follows:
- In 3 months: 33%
- In 6 months: 50%
- In 12 months: 65%
- In 18 months: 70%
Some bariatric surgeries may need revision surgery after several years. The gastric sleeve surgery may not need a revision as often as other types such as gastric band surgery. According to some researches, after two years of sleeve surgery, the patient's volume of the stomach may increase; if he/she neglects to have a healthy lifestyle and diet plan, a revision sleeve gastrectomy may be needed.
What you need to do before getting gastric sleeve surgery
- Maintain a liquid diet 24 hours before the surgery
- Both the previous night and the morning before the surgery, take a shower and wash the area with antibacterial soap and water.
- Do not apply any kind of fragrance or lotion on the area.
- Do some cardio workouts to burn some fat and help your heart's activity.
Why Gastric sleeve in Iran?
Iran is reputed as one of the leading countries in the world offering medical tourism with highly-qualified surgeons, modern clinics, and rock-bottom prices. As for gastric sleeve, many Iranian surgeons perform the procedure on a daily basis. Undergoing gastric sleeve in Iran has two main benefits:
- The Cost: Not many countries offer medical tourism as affordable as Iran. Cosmetic and medical treatments are done at an exceedingly low price in the country; Bariatric surgery is no exception. Considering accommodation and other expenses are just as cheap, Iran is the perfect place for undergoing efficient surgery while enjoying a little holiday away from home. Let's compare VSG costs in different countries:
Sleeve surgery in the US is something between $17000 and $26000.
In Mexico, one of the cheapest destinations for undergoing VSG, the surgery costs about $6000.
But, Gastric sleeve surgery In Iran starts at $1900 while the highest price you can find will cost you around $4000.
- Experience and expertise of Iranian Surgeons: Bariatric surgeries are more popular than ever before; and the expertise of Iranian surgeons has been an appealing factor to many people from Australia, Italy or even Germany.
Gastric sleeve after surgery recovery
As with any other bariatric surgery, behavioral modification and sticking to a healthy diet and exercise determines the success of the procedure. You will have to stay in the hospital for 2-5 days. You will be able to fly back home 2 weeks after the surgery.
Aftercare and recovery tips
- It's vital that you stay hydrated in the first 2 weeks after the surgery to reduce risks and complications. Start with room temperature liquids. You can add flavors like lemon, cucumber or ginger to your water. Your post-op diet consists of mostly liquid food and then gradually you can go for puree. After 3 weeks you should be able to eat soft foods and in 4-5 weeks, you can resume your normal solid food.
- Take daily supplements like zinc and biotin to minimize the post-surgery hair-loss.
- Minimize drinking liquids during the meal
- Drink 64 ounces of water daily
- Eat small, frequent meals
Long-term weight-loss diet plan
About 1-2 months after your surgery, you can resume a healthy, solid food diet. You are required to have a diet of fresh, whole food with main focus on protein. A diet including protein shakes, lean meats, seafood, lentils, nuts, fruits, and vegetables will be extremely helpful.
Vitamin deficiency could hinder your health as well as your weight loss. That's why you should stick to vitamins to ensure these deficiencies do not develop. Certain nutrients are harder to be absorbed; So, you might consider taking a supplement that includes:
- Iron
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
You should also avoid processed foods, alcohol, refined grains, high sugar desserts, soda, juice, and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
Risks and Side effects
A gastric sleeve like any other bariatric surgery might be followed by some risks and complications. However, the possible risks of VSG are much lower than that of obesity. Some possible side effects of sleeve gastrectomy include:
- Temporary hair loss
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Difficulty eating
- Infection
- Constipation
FAQ
Are gastric sleeves safe?
Compared to many other common surgeries, gastric sleeve is a relatively safe surgery. Deaths from this surgery are extremely rare and if done by a competent surgeon, it has minimal complications.
Does gastric sleeve surgery hurt?
In a laparoscopic gastric sleeve, the incisions the surgeon makes are minor (about 1.5-inch-long) and are unlikely to scar or lead to severe pain. Although, you may experience some tenderness and soreness in the area for one week or two.
Does gastric sleeve work long term?
You will continue to lose weight up to 5-10 years after the surgery. Continued success depends on whether or not you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Does gastric sleeve affect hormones?
Studies show that any bariatric surgery can lead to hormonal changes. Being overweight results in more estrogen in the body. Consequently, weight-loss decreases estrogen levels and increases testosterone to estrogen ratio. Testosterone is associated with higher energy and sex drive.
Can gastric sleeve be reversed?
Gastric sleeve reversal is rarely needed; and in the opinion of most surgeons, this invasive procedure is unable to be reversed.
Does Gastric sleeve affect pregnancy?
It is best to wait at least 12 to 18 months after surgery and let your weight to be stabilized before you get pregnant. A pregnancy that occurs too soon after the weight loss surgery can lead to severe consequences for the mother and the baby.
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