Our Summary

This study looks at the relationship between the size of the stomach left after a type of weight loss surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or LSG) and the amount of weight loss after the surgery. The researchers examined medical records of 174 patients who had this surgery between 2014 and 2017. They used three different mathematical methods to calculate the size of the remaining stomach, as seen on X-rays. The accuracy of these methods was good to excellent, and the results were consistent when calculated by two different radiologists. The researchers found that there was a significant relationship between the size of the remaining stomach and the amount of weight lost one year after the surgery. This suggests that the size of the remaining stomach could be a factor in how much weight a patient loses after this type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of this study on laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)?
  2. What is the relationship between the size of the remaining stomach after LSG and weight loss a year after the surgery?
  3. How accurate were the methods used to calculate the size of the remaining stomach in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing gastric sleeve surgery to follow a strict post-operative diet plan to ensure proper healing and maximize weight loss results. This may include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-calorie, high-fat foods, and focusing on protein-rich foods to promote satiety and muscle maintenance. Additionally, regular exercise and behavior modification techniques can also help support long-term weight loss success.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastric sleeve surgery are those who have 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. Additionally, patients who have not been successful with other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise may also be recommended for gastric sleeve surgery. This study suggests that the size of the remaining stomach after the surgery could also play a role in the amount of weight loss achieved, and this may be taken into consideration when determining if a patient is a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.

Timeline

Before gastric sleeve surgery:

  1. Consultation with a healthcare provider to determine if the patient is a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.
  2. Pre-operative assessments such as blood tests, physical exams, and psychological evaluations.
  3. Pre-operative education on the surgery, potential risks, and post-operative lifestyle changes.
  4. Pre-operative dietary changes and weight loss goals to prepare the body for surgery.

After gastric sleeve surgery:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital for a few days post-surgery.
  2. Gradual transition to a liquid diet, followed by pureed foods, and eventually solid foods.
  3. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust dietary and exercise plans.
  4. Continued weight loss over the following months and years.
  5. Potential need for additional support such as nutrition counseling or mental health services.
  6. Adoption of long-term lifestyle changes including healthy eating habits and regular exercise to maintain weight loss.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the expected amount of weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery?
  2. How will my diet and eating habits need to change after the surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery?
  4. How long will it take to recover from the surgery and when can I return to normal activities?
  5. Will I need to take any vitamins or supplements after the surgery?
  6. How often will I need to follow-up with you after the surgery?
  7. How can I ensure long-term success and maintain my weight loss after the surgery?
  8. What are the chances of regaining weight after gastric sleeve surgery?
  9. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes, such as exercise, to support my weight loss goals?
  10. What are the alternative weight loss surgery options available and how do they compare to gastric sleeve surgery?

Reference

Authors: Deręgowska-Cylke M, Palczewski P, Błaż M, Cylke R, Ziemiański P, Szeszkowski W, Lisik W, Gołębiowski M. Journal: Obes Surg. 2022 Feb;32(2):230-236. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05812-0. Epub 2021 Nov 19. PMID: 34799810