Gastric sleeve procedure: Post-operation details, expenses, risks, and additional information
Gastric sleeve surgery, a popular weight loss procedure in the United States, involves the removal of a significant portion of the stomach, reducing its size to approximately 20% of its original capacity. This surgical intervention has helped numerous individuals achieve long-term weight loss success, but it requires a lifelong commitment to maintaining healthy habits.
In the U.S., gastric sleeve surgery accounts for 59.4% of bariatric procedures, with the average cost typically ranging from $17,000 to $26,000. Insurance companies often cover most of the cost, but they may require individuals to be on a weight loss program before surgery, which usually lasts between 2-3 weeks, although some may extend up to 6 months.
The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia, with the surgeon using laparoscopy to remove up to 80% of the stomach. This reduced stomach size limits food and liquid intake, helping individuals feel fuller sooner. Moreover, the procedure removes the part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin, limiting hunger signals over time.
However, successful long-term outcomes after gastric sleeve surgery rely heavily on significant lifestyle changes. Key long-term lifestyle changes include:
- Healthy eating habits: Consuming small, nutrient-dense, balanced meals focused on high protein, vegetables, and complex carbs, while avoiding sugary drinks, high-calorie snacks, and empty calories.
- Portion control: Using smaller plates and paying attention to stomach capacity and recommended serving sizes to prevent stretching the stomach pouch.
- Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration by sipping at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, avoiding drinking fluids 30 minutes before, during, and after meals to maximize nutrient absorption.
- Regular exercise: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening exercises 2–3 times per week.
- Continued supplementation: Taking prescribed vitamins and minerals lifelong to prevent anemia, bone problems, and other deficiencies caused by altered digestion after surgery.
- Mental health care: Managing stress and emotional eating through counseling, mindfulness, or therapy. Unmanaged emotional or disordered eating patterns can lead to weight regain.
- Sleep hygiene: Aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night to support hormonal balance related to appetite and metabolism.
- Ongoing medical follow-up: Regular check-ups with healthcare providers or bariatric teams are essential to monitor weight, nutritional status, and any complications.
- Support networks: Participation in support groups or forums for encouragement, shared experience, and practical advice.
After about two years, the surgery's effect relies heavily on these consistent habits and self-discipline to prevent weight regain and sustain long-term health improvements. It is crucial to avoid smoking and alcohol after surgery, as these can have severe consequences.
While gastric sleeve surgery improves mental health for most people, it may negatively affect others, potentially leading to a small but significant increase in suicide and self-harm. Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery may have a BMI over 40, a BMI of 35-40 with an underlying health condition, or have tried other weight loss methods and found them ineffective.
Recovery from gastric sleeve surgery can take 4-6 weeks, and individuals will need to stick to certain recovery practices for long-term weight loss. After surgery, individuals follow a liquid diet for several weeks, gradually introducing purees and then soft foods before transitioning to regular solid foods. Heartburn medication may sometimes be necessary to reduce stomach acid after surgery.
In conclusion, gastric sleeve surgery is a tool that requires lifelong commitment to mindful eating, exercise, hydration, supplementation, mental health management, and medical care to ensure lasting success.
Seekers of gastric sleeve surgery, a popular weight loss procedure, should be aware of the long-term lifestyle changes required for success. These lifestyle changes include focusing on healthy eating habits with small, nutrient-dense meals, practicing portion control, maintaining proper hydration, engaging in regular exercise, taking prescribed supplements, managing stress and emotional eating, ensuring good sleep hygiene, and attending regular medical follow-ups.
Moreover, to sustain long-term health improvements, it's crucial to avoid smoking and alcohol after surgery, as these can have severe consequences. Bariatric surgery candidates can have a BMI over 40, a BMI of 35-40 with an underlying health condition, or have tried other weight loss methods with no success.
The recovery process after gastric sleeve surgery is essential for long-term weight loss, lasting approximately 4-6 weeks. During this time, individuals follow a liquid diet, gradually introducing purees and then soft foods before transitioning to regular solid foods. Heartburn medication may be needed to reduce stomach acid.
While many persons find gastric sleeve surgery beneficial for their mental health, it might negatively impact a few, potentially leading to a slight increase in suicide and self-harm.
Furthermore, successful long-term outcomes are heavily reliant on these consistent habits and self-discipline to prevent weight regain. Support networks, such as support groups or forums, can offer encouragement and practical advice during this journey.
Lastly, it is essential to remember that gastric sleeve surgery is just a tool for weight loss. Its success largely depends on an individual's dedication to adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the long-term.
