Have questions about gastric sleeve surgery?
Here are some common Post Op and Pre Op questions and answers for anyone who is considering this type of Bariatric Surgery. Note: Weight loss surgery varies for each patient and is a process that should be consulted about with your medical provider to make sure that it is the right fit for you. What is the sleeve procedure? The gastric sleeve procedure, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgery that decreases the size of the stomach to encourage weight loss. About 80 percent of the stomach is surgically removed, leaving a tube-like portion of the stomach in place, and removing the rest permanently. How long does gastric sleeve surgery take? In most cases gastric sleeve surgery takes about one to two hours. How long does it take to recover from gastric sleeve? Most people stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days, and get back to normal activities in 3 to 5 weeks. If the surgery must be “open,” meaning the surgeon has to make a larger cut, healing takes longer. What is the success rate of gastric sleeve surgery? Success from gastric sleeve surgery patients may lose 30 to 50 percent of their excess weight in the first six months, and 77 percent of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. Another study showed that patients could maintain a 50 to 60 percent loss of excess weight 10 to 14 years after surgery. Do you lose more weight with gastric bypass or gastric sleeve? You should work alongside your doctor to choose the best weight loss surgery procedure for you. Most gastric bypass patients lose between 50 to 80 percent of excess body weight within 12 to 18 months, on average. Gastric sleeve patients lose between 60 and 70 percent of their excess body weight within 12 to 18 months, on average. Does gastric sleeve surgery cure GERD? Gastric bypass has shown to decrease GERD symptoms in some cases. However data is less clear on the resolution or worsening of GERD symptoms in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). How much water can you drink after gastric sleeve? Follow specified guidelines provided by your health physician or nutritionist before surgery to ensure you stay hydrated after surgery. It is recommended to drink at least 2 to 3 quarts (64 to 96 ounces) of non-carbonated water/liquid per day. Drink sugar-free beverages (i.e. Crystal Light) or drinks with NO MORE than 5 calories per 8-ounce serving. How much do you have to weigh to get gastric sleeve? To be eligible for gastric sleeve surgery, you must be between 16 and 70 years of age (with some exceptions) and morbidly obese (weighing at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and having a BMI of 40). When can I start exercising after gastric sleeve surgery? In most situations you should be able to do most of your regular activities in two to four weeks. In some cases it may take up to twelve weeks. Walking is encouraged on a regular basis to increase your physical activity level. Can you drink alcohol after gastric sleeve? Drinking Alcohol is not recommended after gastric sleeve surgery. Alcohol contains some calories but minimal nutrition and will work against your weight loss goal. How long is hospital stay after gastric sleeve surgery? Most people stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days, and get back to normal activities in 3 to 5 weeks. Every patient is different and could require other surgery requirements that may lengthen this time. For more information on gastric sleeve surgery or other types of bariatric surgery feel free to visit our Las Vegas Bariatrics contact form or call us at (702) 384-1160 to ask our team of qualified bariatric specialists any questions you may have about weight loss surgery. To find out if you qualify for bariatric surgery visit Get Qualified. At Las Vegas Bariatrics our team of medical weight loss specialists are dedicated to the health and safety of each patients weight loss journey and offer only the safest procedures to make sure that your weight loss journey is as comfortable as possible.
