Sleeve gastrectomy

A (vertical) sleeve gastrectomy is a procedure performed as a treatment for obesity. This involves removing part of the stomach to promote weight loss.

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Preparation

Thorough consideration is given to whether or not a sleeve gastrectomy is a good solution for you. If you are approved, a number of preoperative examinations will follow. The following tests can be part of this:

It is best to start a low-calorie (and high-protein) diet two weeks before surgery. The operation is made easier by weight loss and when the liver is reduced in volume.

The procedure

A sleeve gastrectomy involves creating a long and narrow tube stomach with a capacity of about 100 ml. A large piece of the stomach is removed. The new gastric tube is formed with the help of staples. Part of the gastric outlet is preserved to maintain proper emptying of the stomach. Sleeve gastrectomy can be done through keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). In this, the procedure is done through small incisions which will allow you to have a smoother recovery.

Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy)

Expected results

  • Most weight loss occurs within the first 6 to 9 months after surgery.
  • You can expect a reduction of about 40 to 50% of excess weight.
  • This procedure is especially effective in people who eat large amounts of food by reducing the feeling of hunger and significantly reducing stomach contents.

Je zal je voeding na de ingreep moeten aanpassen om je maag te ondersteunen in het proces. Je laat je best bijstaan door een diëtiste.

 De eerste vier tot zes weken moet alle voedsel gepureerd worden en mag je niet meer dan twee eetlepels per maaltijd nemen. Je mag ongelimiteerd drinken, maar je doet dit best niet in de 20 minuten na een maaltijd. Je drinkt best regelmatig kleine slokken in plaats van grote hoeveelheden in één keer. 

Na vier tot zes weken zal de nieuwe maag wat zijn uitgezet. Je kan nu zachte voeding eten dat niet gepureerd moet zijn. In deze fase mag je maximaal vier eetlepels per maaltijd nemen. Ongeveer tien weken na de ingreep mag je terug alles eten. De hoeveelheid is nu gelimiteerd tot de grootte van een voorgerecht. Om gewicht te blijven verliezen eet je best gebalanceerd zonder teveel vetten of suikers. 

Benefits of the surgery

You will feel full faster after the procedure, which will automatically cause you to eat less. An important benefit of this procedure is that it preserves the natural transition between the stomach and intestine. This reduces the risk of dumping, an unpleasant feeling that can occur after eating foods high in fat or sugar. The procedure can be a definitive solution, but is also used in some patients with extreme obesity in preparation for more invasive surgery.

A sleeve gastrectomy is a fairly impactful procedure, and because of your obesity, you are more likely to have complications. These complications can occur at various stages of healing.

During and immediately after surgery

During and after a sleeve gastrectomy there may be some side effects such as mild bleeding, injury to an abdominal organ or wound infection. Sometimes there may be seam leakage, lung problems or urinary tract inflammation. In rare cases, problems with the lungs, heart or blood circulation may occur.

Recovery

In the later stages of healing, there may be delayed wound healing due to the presence of a lot of subcutaneous fat. There is a risk of scar rupture at the site of the scar. You are also more likely to develop gallstones after a gastrectomy.

After a sleeve gastrectomy, you may suffer from vitamin deficiencies. Regular bloodtests are recommended so you can resolve any deficiencies with supplements.

Notes

The procedure does not prevent a possible later pregnancy. However, it is best to wait for at least a year to a year and a half after the procedure to become pregnant. It is even more important to take iron, folic acid and other supplements regularly if you do become pregnant.

Alcohol is absorbed faster and better into the bloodstream after a sleeve gastrectomy. This means you will reach the legal limit faster, keep this in mind when driving. 

Departments

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General and abdominal surgery

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Call for an appointment 011 69 94 64