What You Should Know About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most common bariatric procedure in the United States. It is a weight loss surgery involving removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. The procedure can be performed using the latest technological advancement, the da Vinci robotic system.
This system allows for a minimally invasive approach, using small incisions and a robotic arm to perform the surgery. This procedure reduces the amount of food consumed and reduces the production of hunger-causing hormones, leading to significant weight loss. The digestive tract is not altered, so digestion usually occurs.
What Qualifies You for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
This surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
However, gastric sleeve surgery is not just for those with high BMI. The surgery may also be recommended for individuals unable to lose weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise. Additionally, gastric sleeve surgery may be an option for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher diagnosed with severe obesity-related conditions such as sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes.
Before deciding to undergo gastric sleeve surgery, individuals should meet with a qualified surgeon and undergo a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation will typically include the following:
- A medical history.
- Physical examination.
- Laboratory tests.
- A psychological evaluation.
The surgeon will also discuss the potential risks and benefits of the surgery with the patient. It is also important to note that gastric sleeve surgery is not a quick fix and requires a significant lifestyle change. Patients need to be prepared to make a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and regular exercise. They will also need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon and a dietitian.
How Painful Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The procedure is typically performed using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which allows for precise and less invasive surgery. Pain levels can vary depending on the individual and the specifics of their surgery. However, most patients report experiencing mild to moderate pain in the days following the procedure. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
It is also worth noting that most patients feel less pain after surgery with the da Vinci robotic system due to the procedure’s minimally invasive nature and the robot’s precision and control.
It’s essential to remember that it’s not only the pain that patients feel after the surgery but also the discomfort, fatigue, and other symptoms that can vary from person to person. It is always recommendable to follow the instructions from the surgeon and use the prescribed pain medication.
What is the procedure?
Dr. Garcia performs the procedure using the latest technological advancement – the da Vinci robotic system. The da Vinci system is a robotic surgical device that allows the surgeon to operate with greater precision and control. The surgeon from a console controls the system while the robotic arms perform the surgical procedures. This allows for smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
The procedure begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will then make a small incision in the abdomen and insert the da Vinci robotic arms into the body. The robotic arms are equipped with tiny cameras and instruments that allow the surgeon to see inside the body and perform the surgery.
The first step of the procedure is to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach, which will become the new stomach. The surgeon will then use the robotic arms to remove a large portion of the stomach, leaving only the new pouch. This reduces the stomach’s capacity and causes the patient to feel ultimately faster, which leads to weight loss.
Once the new stomach pouch is created and the excess stomach is removed, the surgeon will use the robotic arms to close the incisions and complete the surgery. The entire procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete.
After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for one to two days to recover. They will be on a liquid diet for the first few weeks, gradually transitioning to solid foods as they heal. Patients can expect to lose significant weight in the first year following the surgery.
Robotic surgery requires smaller incisions than traditional, open surgery resulting in the following:
- Shorter stay in the hospital
- Shorter time for recovery
- Fewer pains
- More modest scars
- Reduced loss of blood
How Many Years Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Last?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a permanent procedure, meaning the stomach cannot be restored to its original size. However, it is essential to note that weight loss results can vary, and patients must maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to achieve and maintain weight loss. Like all weight loss surgery, gastric sleeve requires a long-term commitment to healthy lifestyle choices.
Being overweight is associated with several severe health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, certain cancers, and osteoarthritis. It can also lead to mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It is essential for individuals who are overweight to take steps to achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce their risk of these conditions.
Gastric sleeve surgery using the da Vinci robotic system represents the latest technological advancement in weight loss surgery. The da Vinci system allows for precise and minimally invasive surgery, resulting in less pain, a faster recovery time, and improved patient outcomes. If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery Dr. Garcia and his team provides everything, you need to embark on your weight-loss journey. If you want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
