An increasingly common condition in developed and developing countries is morbid obesity. This disease seriously affects people’s health and can trigger problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and stroke, among others.
For this reason, most people who suffer from morbid obesity try to lose weight with the help of constant exercise and diet. But there are cases in which this isn’t enough and it’s necessary to perform a surgical procedure to achieve it; because of this, more and more people want to know everything about gastric sleeve surgery.
What are the most frequently asked questions?
As you may know, gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure that shouldn’t be taken lightly, since all surgical procedures carry some risk. So, if you are thinking it may be an alternative for you, then the following questions can help you learn more about this surgery.
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
To describe it in a simple way, we can say that it’s a procedure in which approximately 75% of the stomach is removed. After this, the rest of the stomach takes a shape similar to that of a shirt sleeve or tube, that’s why it’s commonly known as gastric sleeve.
There are several benefits that stomach reduction can provide to a person with morbid obesity, one of them is the decrease in the hormone that causes hunger. Also, having a smaller stomach creates a feeling of satiety with smaller portions of food.
Can other conditions be cured?
One of the characteristics of gastric sleeve surgery is that it also helps to reduce or even cure various diseases. Some of them include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
How fast is the surgery?
The time for a gastric sleeve surgery to be done can vary from person to person, however, it usually lasts between one and two hours. Also, five to six incisions are made in the abdomen where the surgical instruments will be inserted, so there may be small marks on the skin.
How long will it take me to go home?
After the surgery, patients usually need to be observed for one or two nights to make sure everything is going well. If any complication occurs, the patient may have to spend more days in the hospital.
What complications can the gastric sleeve present?
Although complications after a gastric sleeve procedure are unusual, it’s still a possibility. Some of the most common complications are excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection, and leakage somewhere from the stomach incision.
It’s important to see a health professional to avoid possible complications after surgery. That’s why it’s necessary to verify that the plastic surgeon who is doing the gastric sleeve surgery in Tijuana is a professional who has all the necessary certificates to be able to work.
What foods can I eat?
After surgery, it’s necessary to drastically change eating habits, which is why patients are given a restrictive diet. During the first week, patients only consume non-carbonated liquids without sugar, after this period they can consume pureed foods.
After the fourth week, patients can start consuming regular foods again. Patients are also advised to take multivitamins and calcium supplements, and once a month they will need to be injected with vitamin B-12 throughout their lives.
How soon will I start to lose weight?
One of the main benefits of the gastric sleeve is that the patient begins to lose weight from the first day, since the size of the stomach is greatly reduced. However, the patient should be aware that discomfort such as fatigue, body aches, and dry skin are very common.
In some cases, symptoms similar to those of the common flu may also occur, chills and the hair may become thin. Mood and behavior changes may also occur.
Exercise after surgery?
Although a gastric sleeve is an excellent aid for weight loss, it’s necessary to complement the procedure with an exercise regimen. That’s why it’s recommended to start exercising two to three weeks after surgery, as long as the doctor approves it.
It’s commonly suggested to start with low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming, then the patient is expected to increase the intensity of the exercise. In case you don’t exercise, the gastric sleeve will not have the same effects and weight loss will start to be a more complicated process.
Now you know the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that patients usually wonder when considering gastric sleeve surgery. Remember that, if you have any other questions, you can consult with the surgeon, he will provide you with all the information you need to make a decision.
At Baja Plastic Surgery & MedSpa Center we offer innovative solutions in plastic surgery and cosmetic non-invasive procedures. In addition, we have the support of professionals who have the necessary experience, certificates, and training to be able to provide a truly quality service.
We offer several plastic surgery services in Tijuana, so you can be sure that we will be able to offer you a service that suits your needs. Also, with the idea of being able to help our patients from different parts of Mexico and the United States, at Baja Plastic Surgery & MedSpa Center we have different payment methods.
