Our Summary

This study looked at whether the amount of stomach removed during a type of weight loss surgery called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is related to how much weight patients lose after the surgery. The researchers studied 287 patients who underwent the surgery. They found that the volume of the stomach removed was related to the patient’s initial body mass index (BMI) - a measure of body fat based on height and weight. However, the amount of stomach removed did not directly predict how much weight a patient would lose post-surgery. Instead, the patient’s initial BMI was a better predictor of weight loss. The study found that the technique used during surgery was important, as it ensured that the remaining stomach volume was consistent across patients.

FAQs

  1. Does the amount of stomach removed during a gastric sleeve surgery affect the weight loss post-surgery?
  2. What factor was found to be a better predictor of weight loss post-gastric sleeve surgery?
  3. Why is the technique used during the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy important?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about gastric sleeve surgery is to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery, including following a balanced diet and staying physically active. Weight loss results can vary from person to person, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with healthy habits to maximize the benefits of the surgery. It’s also important to attend follow-up appointments and communicate with your healthcare team about any concerns or changes in your health. Remember, gastric sleeve surgery is a tool to help with weight loss, but long-term success depends on your commitment to making healthy choices.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastric sleeve surgery are those who have a BMI greater than 40, or a BMI greater than 35 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. It is important for patients to have tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success before considering weight loss surgery. Additionally, patients should be committed to making lifestyle changes after the surgery to ensure long-term success.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient undergoes initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon to discuss weight loss goals and medical history
  • Patient may be required to undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Patient may need to follow a pre-surgery diet and exercise regimen to prepare their body for the procedure

During gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach
  • Surgery is typically performed laparoscopically, using small incisions and a camera for guidance
  • Procedure usually takes around 1-2 hours

After gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient will need to follow a strict post-operative diet and exercise plan to aid in weight loss and prevent complications
  • Patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon and a dietitian to monitor progress and adjust their plan as needed

Overall, gastric sleeve surgery can lead to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions, but it is important for patients to commit to making lifestyle changes to maintain their results long-term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastric sleeve surgery include:

  1. What is the success rate of gastric sleeve surgery for patients with my BMI?
  2. How much of my stomach will be removed during the surgery?
  3. How will the amount of stomach removed affect my weight loss outcomes?
  4. What technique will be used during the surgery to ensure consistent remaining stomach volume?
  5. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?
  6. What is the recovery process like after gastric sleeve surgery?
  7. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the surgery?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  9. What support and resources are available to help me through the weight loss journey post-surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative weight loss treatments or surgeries that may be more suitable for me?

Reference

Authors: Bekheit M, Abdel-Baki TN, Gamal M, Abdel-Salam W, Samir M, ElKayal E, Katri K. Journal: Obes Surg. 2016 Jul;26(7):1505-10. doi: 10.1007/s11695-015-1981-3. PMID: 26602213