Metabolic Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) in Thanjavur

Sleeve gastrectomy also referred to as metabolic surgery is a type of weight loss surgery. This procedure is used to treat obesity. It is a surgical process and is permanent and irreversible.

In this procedure, the small sleeve is made from your stomach to reduce its size. The remaining portions are then attached with the stitches or staples.

Sleeve gastrectomy is performed to aid in significant weight loss and reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening health issues related to obesity, such as:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Infertility

This surgery is generally considered only after attempts to lose weight through diet and exercise have not been successful.

Sleeve gastrectomy might be a suitable option if:

• Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher, indicating extreme obesity.
• Your BMI is between 35 and 39.9, categorized as obesity, and you suffer from a serious weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea. In some instances, you may also qualify for this surgery if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have severe weight-related health issues.

Commitment to permanent lifestyle changes is crucial. You may need to engage in long-term follow-up programs that monitor your nutrition, lifestyle habits, behavior, and medical conditions.

Before proceeding, check with your health insurance provider or Medfin to determine if your plan covers weight-loss surgery. 

Like any major surgical procedure, sleeve gastrectomy comes with potential health risks both in the immediate and longer term.

Short-term risks associated with sleeve gastrectomy may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Blood clots
• Lung or breathing problems
• Leaks from the cut edge of the stomach

Long-term risks and complications from sleeve gastrectomy surgery can include:

• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Hernias
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Malnutrition
• Vomiting

In the weeks before your surgery, you'll likely need to begin a physical activity regimen and cease all tobacco use.

Just prior to your procedure, there will be restrictions on your intake of food and drink, as well as guidelines on which medications you can continue.

It's also a wise move to prepare for your post-surgery recovery period now. Consider arranging for assistance at home if you anticipate needing support.

While some sleeve gastrectomies are performed using traditional large incisions in the abdomen, the procedure is typically done laparoscopically. This involves making multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen and using small instruments for the surgery.

General anesthesia will be administered before the surgery starts, ensuring you are asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.

To carry out a sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon will create a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach by vertically stapling the stomach and removing the larger, curved portion.

The surgery generally lasts between one to two hours. Following the procedure, you will wake up in a recovery room where medical staff will monitor you for any signs of complications.

Following a sleeve gastrectomy, you will start with a diet of sugar-free, noncarbonated liquids for the first week. This is followed by three weeks of pureed foods, progressing to regular foods about four weeks after the surgery. You will also need to take a multivitamin twice daily, a calcium supplement once daily, and receive a monthly vitamin B-12 injection for life.

In the initial months after your surgery, you will undergo frequent medical checkups to monitor your health. These checkups may include lab tests, blood work, and various examinations.

During the first three to six months post-surgery, you might notice several changes due to rapid weight loss, such as:

• Body aches
• Fatigue, similar to flu-like symptoms
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Dry skin
• Hair thinning and loss
• Mood swings

Sleeve gastrectomy can lead to substantial long-term weight loss, with the potential to shed about 60% or more of excess weight within two years, depending on changes in lifestyle habits.

Beyond aiding in weight reduction, sleeve gastrectomy can also enhance or resolve various conditions associated with obesity, including:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Infertility

Additionally, this surgery can improve your capacity to carry out daily activities, significantly enhancing your overall quality of life.