Sleeve Gastrectomy: Conditions, Preparations and Expected Results

Published at 31 October 2024

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is the most common bariatric surgery. It involves reducing the size of the stomach and thus reducing the amount of food that can be eaten. It is performed to help those who suffer from severe obesity lose weight. (1)

Expected results after sleeve gastrectomy surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery achieves a weight loss of approximately 33-58% during the first two years of the operation, if the doctor’s instructions are adhered to afterwards, (7) including eating healthy foods, controlling the type of food, and exercising. However, if you do not follow these procedures, you may not lose enough weight, or regain your previous weight. (2)

Besides, losing enough weight after surgery can improve many medical conditions you may have, such as: asthma, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, and gastroesophageal reflux. (5)

Sleeve gastrectomy conditions

It is always preferable to consult a specialist doctor to evaluate the condition, and determine whether sleeve gastrectomy surgery is the ideal option, according to the health and personal circumstances of each individual, as these conditions must be met for it to be performed: (2)(3)

1.Suffering from severe obesity, with a body mass index greater than 40 (at least 45 kilograms more than the recommended weight).

2.Obesity (with a body mass index between 35-39.9), accompanied by associated health problems, such as:

Heart disease.
Type 2 diabetes.
Sleep Apnea.
Fatty liver disease.
Dyslipidemia.

3.Lack of success in attempts to lose weight by other means, such as following a healthy diet and exercising.

4.Having physical and psychological preparation for surgery.

5.Determination to adhere to the doctor’s instructions after surgery, including following a special diet, exercising, and follow up with the doctor.

6.The lack of accompanying health conditions may make the procedure risky.

7.The appropriate age is usually 18-65 years. However, this recommendation is not a strict rule, and some patients under the age of 18 or over 65 years may be good candidates for surgery, especially if there are some medical conditions that may require it. (4)

Preparing for sleeve gastrectomy

Before undergoing sleeve gastrectomy surgery, the person must follow the directions of the medical team and adhere to the recommended preparations to ensure the success of the operation and reduce potential risks. Here are some common preparations: (5)

Medical examinations:

Comprehensive examinations can include a comprehensive medical investigation, which includes: blood tests, imaging tests, etc., to check your health condition.

Special diet:

Collaborate with your doctor or nutritionist to develop a special nutritional plan before and after the operation. You will usually be asked to stop eating certain types of food and drink approximately 3 weeks before the operation, to avoid problems during surgery. (6)

In general, the diet in the three weeks before surgery includes: (6)

Reduce calories and amounts of food eaten, especially carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta, and stop eating refined sugars, such as those found in sweets and soft drinks.
Eat foods rich in protein, such as chicken, lean meat, eggs, and fish.
Focus on healthy fats, such as fish, nuts and olives, and avoid trans fats.
Drink plenty of water and avoid soft drinks and alcohol.

2-3 days before surgery, you will need to switch to completely - liquid diet, where it is recommended to limit yourself to water, soup, gelatin, and low-calorie drinks, while avoiding soft drinks. Starting at midnight on the day of surgery, you must completely stop all food and drinks, even water. (6)

Stop taking certain medications:

You may be asked to stop taking certain medications before the procedure, such as medications that may affect blood clotting. Be sure to consult your doctor and do not stop any medication on your own. (5)

Stop smoking:

Your doctor recommends that you stop consuming all tobacco products before and after surgery, because smoking can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications, and it is best to quit smoking completely. (5)

Preparation for post operative period:

You should prepare in advance for lifestyle changes after surgery and during the recovery period, including regarding diet and physical activity. (5)

Do not hesitate to ask your questions to one of the doctors in the General Surgery Department at Al-Ahli Hospital! The department provides specialized, high-quality medical services to patients suffering from obesity problems at the hands of the most skilled specialist doctors, using modern techniques according to each patient’s individual condition.

How is sleeve gastrectomy surgery performed?

The sleeve gastrectomy is performed by a surgeon specialized in bariatric surgeries, through small incisions in the abdomen using laparoscopic technique.

Post sleeve gastrectomy

Follow the doctor's instructions after sleeve gastrectomy surgery to ensure a quick recovery and achieve the best results, especially with regard to the quality and quantity of food that you can eat in the first period. In general, he will recommend that you start with only clear liquids and then gradually move to thick liquids, then pureed foods, then to solid foods and your usual food.

References:

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