Our Summary

This research paper is about two types of weight loss surgeries: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The study found that both surgeries have similar long-term effects on reducing excess body weight, improving heart health, and enhancing quality of life. However, the sleeve gastrectomy is seen as a safer surgery with unique metabolic benefits, which in some aspects can be even better than the gastric bypass.

FAQs

  1. How do the long-term effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy compare?
  2. Which procedure, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, is considered safer?
  3. What are the potential metabolic advantages of sleeve gastrectomy as compared to gastric bypass?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastrectomy is to follow the recommended dietary guidelines post-surgery to ensure proper healing and successful weight loss. This may include eating smaller, more frequent meals, focusing on protein-rich foods, and avoiding high-calorie, high-fat foods. Additionally, staying hydrated and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can also support the healing process and help achieve long-term success after gastrectomy.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy are those who have severe obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have not been able to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone and are at high risk for obesity-related complications. Gastrectomy may also be recommended for patients with a BMI of 30 or higher who have serious health conditions that could improve with weight loss.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  1. Patient will undergo a series of pre-operative evaluations including medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly psychological evaluation.
  2. Patient will be advised to follow a specific diet and exercise regimen to optimize their health before surgery.
  3. Patient may attend pre-operative counseling sessions to discuss the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and post-operative lifestyle changes.
  4. Patient will undergo the gastrectomy procedure, which typically involves removing a portion of the stomach to reduce its size and capacity.

After gastrectomy:

  1. Patient will stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery.
  2. Patient will gradually transition from a liquid to soft to solid diet over several weeks, under the guidance of a dietitian.
  3. Patient will need to make significant lifestyle changes including portion control, mindful eating, and regular exercise to maintain weight loss and prevent complications.
  4. Patient will need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their progress, address any issues, and make adjustments to their treatment plan as needed.
  5. Patient may experience changes in appetite, digestion, and metabolism after gastrectomy, which can impact their overall health and well-being in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of gastrectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after gastrectomy surgery?
  3. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after gastrectomy surgery?
  4. How will gastrectomy surgery affect my ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins?
  5. What is the long-term impact of gastrectomy surgery on my weight and overall health?
  6. What follow-up care will be necessary after gastrectomy surgery?
  7. How will gastrectomy surgery affect my risk of developing other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to gastrectomy surgery that I should consider?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing gastrectomy procedures?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that may affect the outcome of gastrectomy surgery for me?

Reference

Authors: Aminian A. Journal: Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Aug;29(8):531-534. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.04.011. Epub 2018 May 24. PMID: 29804898