Gastric sleeve surgery is an increasingly popular weight loss surgery that involves removing a part of the stomach to reduce its size and restrict the amount of food it can hold. However, despite its growing popularity, there are still many questions about this procedure that remain unanswered.

In this article, we will address four frequently asked questions about gastric sleeve surgery and provide expert insights to help you make an informed decision.

If you have been struggling with obesity and have tried various weight loss methods without success, gastric sleeve Melbourne surgery may be an option. But before you decide whether or not to undergo this procedure, it's important to be well-informed and understand what it entails.

1. What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss surgery that involves reducing the size of the stomach by removing a portion of it. The procedure is performed laparoscopically and involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert a camera and surgical instruments.

During the surgery, about 75-85% of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a tube-like structure or "sleeve" that can hold significantly less food than before. Gastric sleeve surgery aims to help severely obese individuals lose weight and improve their overall health. It can also be an option for those who have tried other weight loss methods without success.

By reducing the stomach size, patients feel fuller faster and consume fewer calories, leading to significant weight loss.

2. How gastric sleeve surgery is performed?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a popular weight loss procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a smaller, banana-shaped stomach. The gastric sleeve Melbourne procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. During the surgery, several incisions are made in the abdomen to allow for the insertion of a laparoscope and other surgical instruments. The surgeon then carefully removes approximately 80% of the stomach using staples or sutures to seal off the remaining portion.

The newly formed stomach pouch can hold significantly less food than before, which can lead to significant weight loss over time. Most patients are able to leave the hospital within 1-2 days after surgery and can return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks. It's important for patients to follow a strict diet and exercise plan after surgery to achieve optimal results.

3. Who can undergo gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss option for people who are morbidly obese or have a BMI of 40 or greater. Alternatively, those with a BMI of 35-40 may also qualify if they have weight-related health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease.

However, gastric sleeve surgery is not appropriate for everyone. Doctors will evaluate the patient's overall health status to determine if they are a good candidate.

4. How to prepare for gastric sleeve surgery?

Preparation is key to successful gastric sleeve surgery. In the weeks leading up to the surgery, patients must follow strict guidelines provided by their medical team. These guidelines may include dietary restrictions, exercise recommendations, and medication management.

Before the surgery, patients will be advised to eat a low-calorie diet to reduce liver size and decrease risks during surgery. They may also be required to stop taking certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding risk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gastric sleeve Melbourne surgery is a viable option for individuals struggling with obesity and related health issues. With proper preparation, including meeting the necessary criteria and following nutrition guidelines, patients can have successful surgery and experience long-term benefits. Whether it is improving overall health or increasing one's quality of life, gastric sleeve surgery can be a life-changing decision with positive outcomes. It is important for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if gastric sleeve surgery is right for them.