Our Summary

This study examined how patients who were discharged on the same day of their sleeve gastrectomy surgery (a type of weight loss surgery) compared to those who stayed in the hospital for 1-2 days post-surgery. The researchers found that those who went home on the same day were more likely to visit the emergency department afterwards, even though they had similar complication rates to those who stayed in hospital for a bit longer. This group also tended to visit the emergency room sooner. However, they were less likely to need to be admitted to the hospital. The most common reason for visiting the emergency room was nausea, vomiting and dehydration. The most common day to visit the emergency room was Friday for both groups.

FAQs

  1. What was the most common reason for patients visiting the emergency room after sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
  2. How did the rate of emergency department visits compare between patients discharged on the same day of their surgery and those who stayed in hospital longer?
  3. Were patients who were discharged on the same day of their surgery more likely to be admitted to the hospital after visiting the emergency room?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about gastrectomy is to ensure they stay well-hydrated and follow a strict diet plan post-surgery to prevent nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. It is important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms. It is also important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy include those with severe obesity who have not been successful with other weight loss methods, those with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and those with a high risk of developing complications from obesity. Additionally, patients with certain types of stomach cancer or benign tumors may also be candidates for gastrectomy.

Timeline

  • Before gastrectomy:
  1. Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and counseling to determine if they are a suitable candidate for gastrectomy.
  2. Patient may be required to follow a specific preoperative diet and stop taking certain medications.
  3. Surgery is scheduled and patient is admitted to the hospital.
  4. Patient undergoes gastrectomy procedure, which typically lasts a few hours.
  5. Patient is monitored in the hospital for complications and recovery.
  • After gastrectomy:
  1. Patient may experience pain, nausea, and discomfort post-surgery.
  2. Patient is started on a liquid diet and gradually progresses to solid foods as tolerated.
  3. Patient is monitored for complications such as infection, bleeding, or leakage from the surgical site.
  4. Patient is discharged from the hospital once stable and able to tolerate oral intake.
  5. Patient follows up with their healthcare team for regular check-ups and monitoring of weight loss progress.
  6. Patient may experience changes in eating habits and digestion, and may require nutritional supplementation.
  7. Patient is advised to make lifestyle changes to support long-term weight loss and overall health.

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. What is the expected recovery time after gastrectomy surgery?
  3. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  4. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a complication after surgery?
  5. How can I best manage nausea, vomiting, and dehydration after surgery to prevent a visit to the emergency room?
  6. What follow-up care and support will be provided after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle or dietary changes after gastrectomy surgery?
  8. Are there any specific warning signs that should prompt me to seek medical attention after surgery?
  9. How soon after surgery can I resume normal activities and exercise?
  10. What is the long-term outlook for weight loss and overall health after gastrectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Varban OA, Petersen S, Stricklen A, Kindel T, Noria S, Edwards MA, Petrick A, Obeid N, Finks JF, Carlin AM. Journal: Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2025 Apr;21(4):362-371. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2024.11.013. Epub 2024 Dec 9. PMID: 39730271