Our Summary

This research paper is about a surgical procedure called laparoscopic gastric clipping, which is a relatively new method used to help people lose weight by limiting how much their stomach can expand. However, there isn’t much information about the possible complications after this surgery. The researchers share a video of a second surgery they performed on a patient who had problems after her first gastric clipping surgery.

The patient, a 40-year-old woman who was extremely overweight, didn’t lose much weight after her first surgery, and she couldn’t stop belching. The doctors decided to perform a second surgery, where they removed the gastric clip and converted her stomach into a sleeve shape instead.

The second surgery took 270 minutes and the patient lost 100 mL of blood, but there were no other complications during the operation. She stayed in the hospital for two days after the surgery and her symptoms improved. The researchers concluded that this type of second surgery could be a viable option for patients who have problems after a gastric clipping procedure.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic gastric clipping and why is it used?
  2. What complications can arise after a gastric clipping procedure?
  3. What is the purpose of a second surgery following a gastric clipping, and how effective is it?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering gastric sleeve surgery to be aware of the potential complications that can arise after the procedure. It’s important to closely follow post-operative instructions and to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms or complications. In some cases, a second surgery may be necessary to address issues that arise after the initial procedure. It’s important to discuss all potential risks and complications with your doctor before undergoing any weight loss surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a gastric sleeve procedure are those who are severely obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery should also have tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success.

Additionally, patients who are psychologically prepared for the lifestyle changes that come with weight loss surgery and who are committed to making long-term changes to their diet and exercise habits are good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery. It is important for patients to have a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure and to have realistic expectations for their weight loss outcomes.

Overall, gastric sleeve surgery is recommended for patients who are severely obese and have not been successful with other weight loss methods, and who are willing to make significant lifestyle changes to support their weight loss goals.

Timeline

Before the gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a consultation with a bariatric surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a suitable candidate.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  • Patient may be required to follow a pre-operative diet and exercise plan to prepare for the surgery.
  • Patient undergoes the gastric sleeve surgery, which involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch.

After the gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover from the surgery.
  • Patient is put on a liquid diet for a period of time before gradually transitioning to solid foods.
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their diet or exercise plan.
  • Patient experiences weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
  • Patient may undergo additional surgeries or procedures if complications arise, such as in the case of the patient who required a second surgery to convert her stomach into a sleeve shape after experiencing problems with the gastric clipping procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after gastric sleeve surgery?
  3. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the surgery?
  4. How much weight can I expect to lose after gastric sleeve surgery?
  5. What kind of support or follow-up care will be provided after the surgery?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of?
  7. How will my stomach function differently after the surgery?
  8. What are the success rates of gastric sleeve surgery in terms of weight loss?
  9. Are there any specific dietary restrictions I should follow after the surgery?
  10. What is the likelihood of needing a second surgery or revision procedure after gastric sleeve surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chuang HY, Huang CK, Chang PC. Journal: Obes Surg. 2019 Apr;29(4):1433. doi: 10.1007/s11695-019-03709-7. PMID: 30706312