Our Summary

This research paper is about a type of weight loss surgery called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), which has become the most common form of weight loss surgery worldwide. The researchers wanted to assess how effective this surgery is in terms of weight loss and the improvement of other health conditions associated with obesity.

To do this, they looked at both short-term and long-term studies on SG. They found only a few studies with long-term results. In these studies, up to one third of patients had to have further surgery. However, of those who kept their ‘sleeve’, over half lost a substantial amount of their excess weight.

The results of the surgery in terms of improving other health conditions varied. Therefore, the researchers concluded that while SG is a valid weight loss surgery, it’s important to be aware of its limitations.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG)?
  2. What were the long-term results of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy according to the research?
  3. Does the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy improve other health conditions associated with obesity?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastrectomy is to follow a strict post-operative diet plan to ensure proper healing and successful weight loss. This may include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding certain foods that can cause discomfort or complications, and staying hydrated. Additionally, it’s important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise. By following these guidelines, patients can maximize the benefits of gastrectomy and improve their overall health outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy include those who have severe obesity (BMI over 40), or those with a BMI over 35 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Patients who have tried other methods of weight loss without success may also be recommended for gastrectomy. Additionally, patients with a high risk of developing obesity-related health conditions in the future may also be considered for gastrectomy as a preventative measure. It is important for patients to discuss their individual health history and weight loss goals with their healthcare provider to determine if gastrectomy is the right option for them.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  1. Patient consults with a healthcare provider about weight loss options.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to determine if they are a suitable candidate for gastrectomy.
  3. Patient receives counseling on the risks and benefits of the surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure.

After gastrectomy:

  1. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for recovery.
  2. Patient follows a strict post-operative diet plan to allow the stomach to heal.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any complications.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and adjusts to their new eating habits.
  5. Patient experiences weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions over time.
  6. Patient may require further surgery or interventions in some cases.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastrectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastrectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after gastrectomy surgery?
  3. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after gastrectomy surgery?
  4. How much weight can I expect to lose after gastrectomy surgery?
  5. What are the long-term effects of gastrectomy surgery on my overall health?
  6. Will I need to take any medications or supplements after gastrectomy surgery?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after gastrectomy surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before undergoing gastrectomy surgery?
  9. How will gastrectomy surgery impact my ability to absorb nutrients from food?
  10. What is the success rate of gastrectomy surgery in terms of long-term weight loss and improvement of other health conditions?

Reference

Authors: Felsenreich DM, Langer FB, Prager G. Journal: Scand J Surg. 2019 Mar;108(1):3-9. doi: 10.1177/1457496918798192. Epub 2018 Sep 6. PMID: 30187823