Gastric Sleeve Procedure
This procedure eliminates about seventy to eighty percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach – now reduced to about 25% of its original size – is shaped like a banana and resembles a tube or sleeve. This sleeve will now be your stomach. Because Gastric Sleeve involves resection of the portion of the stomach that produces Grehlin – the hormone that makes you feel hungry, patients who undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy report a reduced appetite, helping them to lose weight. These hormonal changes will be effective in reducing food cravings and helps you feel fuller easily. The healing process can take weeks. However, patients start seeing initial results after a few weeks, drastic results after 3-6 months, then complete weight loss somewhere between nine months to a year.
Consulting The Best Team For Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The experts at the Nicholson Clinic understand you may have concerns about gastric sleeve surgery. Their top surgeons in Texas will address all your concerns and ensure you have all that’s needed to kick start your weight loss journey during an initial consultation. They will discuss your health history with you, ask about any medications you might be taking, and cover the mental and physical aspects of the procedure. Many insurance plans also require you to meet with a psychologist for a pre-surgical evaluation to prepare patients for surgery and identify any factors that may inhibit successful weight loss. Additionally, an appointment with a dietitian may be required to discuss the pre-op diet and post-op plan.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Recovery
It takes two to three weeks for the stomach to heal from gastric sleeve surgery. However, it can take from six to eight weeks for the staple line to heal, making the post-op diet so important. Generally, you should be able to get back to moderate activity and a desk job after about 3-5 days.
Typically, a month after the surgery and once approved by your doctor, you can start your exercise routine and be on your path to a complete recovery. After the surgery, it is essential you stay hydrated.
Conclusion
Before you have gastric sleeve surgery, keep in mind that it’s important to have the support of your family and/or a loved one, plus a patient advocate. That’s the best way to make the process easier and successful. Every patient at The Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery is assigned a Patient Care Advocate to help you navigate through the entire process leading up to surgery and set you up for success.
