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Gastric Sleeve Procedure
Gastric Sleeve surgery is a safe and effective way to help you lose weight and keep it off. It’s a good option if you haven’t been able to reach your goals with diet and exercise alone. If you’re struggling with obesity, Gastric Sleeve surgery may be right for you. It’s a safe procedure to help you achieve your weight loss goals and overall well-being.
Maintaining Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve
You’ll drink clear liquids the first day after surgery. By the time you leave the hospital, you can eat pureed foods and protein shakes and will continue to do so for about four weeks. Keep in mind that you have to change the way you eat forever. After that first month, you’ll slowly switch to eating soft, solid foods. Other pointers to keep in mind:
- Everything must be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed.
- Don't drink while you eat, as this might cause your new stomach to overfill.
- Drink liquids a half-hour after finishing a meal.
- Avoid high-calorie sodas and snackin
- Take vitamin and mineral supplements every day.
After 2 or 3 months, you can move on to regular meals. But remember, you will not be able to eat as much as you used to.
Frequently Asked Questions
The surgery takes about an hour. Your surgeon will make a few small cuts in your belly and insert a laparoscope — an instrument with a tiny camera that sends pictures to a monitor. The surgeon will then insert other medical instruments through the additional cuts and remove 3/4 of your stomach. Finally, they’ll reattach the rest of your stomach to form the “sleeve” or tube.
- You have severe obesity and have not been able to lose weight or keep from gaining back any weight you lost using other methods such as lifestyle treatment or medications.
- You have serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea, related to obesity. Bariatric surgery can improve many of the medical conditions linked to obesity, especially type 2 diabetes.
- You have a BMI (body mass index) of at least 40. That means you’re 100 pounds or more over your ideal weight. Some people are too heavy for gastric bypass surgery, so it may be a good alternative.
Many insurance plans cover weight loss surgery, but navigating the different requirements and coverage details can be challenging. We have put together a list of all the popular insurance companies and their coverage options on our insurance page. For patients who want to learn more about their coverage options not addressed on the insurance page, call us (832)915-8140.
We have partnered with CareCredit® to provide our patients with an easy way to finance their surgery. Monthly payments can make it possible to invest in better health, even without insurance. Some patients who do have insurance coverage decide to self-pay to avoid pre-requisites and waiting times that may be mandated by insurance companies.
Risks & Recovery
Infection, bleeding, and, in rare cases, a leak along the staple line are possible. Right after the surgery, you may have nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Certain foods may not agree with you now. You may also develop nutrition problems after surgery, so you must take vitamins and supplements for life. Your doctor will advise you on exactly what you need.
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