What is a Gastric Sleeve?
A gastric sleeve is for obese people, Wondering how to lose weight fast? It could be time to consider a gastric sleeve.
According to Webmd:
Restrictive operations like gastric sleeve surgery make the stomach smaller and help people lose weight.
That means with a smaller stomach after the gastric sleeve procedure you will feel fuller quicker and for longer and that helps immensely with weight loss.
This also means you’ll need to make some lifelong changes in how you approach the gastric sleeve diet. You’ll need to adapt to smaller portions and greater variety of foods.
How Does This Type of Bariatric Surgery Work?
Just like gastric bypass surgery, a large incision is made in the abdomen or even small incisions are made and a camera is used to guide small instruments into the stomach to perform the operation.
During the gastric bypass procedure, also called a sleeve gastrectomy, more than half of the stomach is removed and a thin vertical sleeve, kind of like a tube, is left. Surgical staples are then used to close up the new stomach.
Keep in mind that since half the stomach is removed, the procedure is not reversible.
After Surgery
After the gastric sleeve surgery you will be in pain and may require painkillers for about the first week. Also, since your stomach has been drastically reduced, you’ll feel full quickly when you have a meal and in fact, you will likely be on a liquid diet for the first week or two.
Your doctor or surgeon will advise what to eat post-op. For the first month or so you’ll only be able to handle very small quantities of soft foods. You’ll also need to try and sip water all through the day to avoid dehydration. Bowel movements might be irregular straight after surgery but that’s normal since your body is adjusting to a whole new diet lifestyle while losing weight.
Adding Solids
You’ll be able to slowly start adding solid foods to your new gastric sleeve diet. Food should be chewed to a soft consistency to be easily digestible and you should always stop eating once you feel full. It takes some getting used to since you’ll find you’re eating such tiny portions compared to what you’re used to.
If you don’t stop eating when you’re full, or don’t chew properly, you are likely to feel nauseous. Also, if you add high-calorie drinks like fruit juice and fizzy cold drinks to your new diet, you are going to struggle to drop the kilos.
Why Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
If you’re severely overweight and struggling to lose weight via exercise, diet or even medication, then considering bariatric surgery such as a gastric bypass or lap band surgery may be for you.
If your body mass index is 40 or higher, you may also be eligible for weight loss surgery.
This type of surgery is a good tool for helping you drop the weight but it isn’t a quick fix. You will need to eat a healthy diet and partake in regular physical activity to reach your goal weight.
At What Cost?
Medical aids in SA don’t cover bariatric surgery. Click on the Incred banner to find out if you’re eligible for weight loss surgery or go straight to the Incred website by clicking here.