Gastric sleeve surgery is becoming an increasingly popular form of bariatric surgery for those wishing to lose weight. The procedure has a high success rate and many positive effects on patient health. Nonetheless, as with any surgery, it is important to understand the potential risks and side effects of the procedure. In this article, we will discuss whether gastric sleeve surgery is safe or not. Gastric sleeve surgery is considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.
The procedure is performed laparoscopically, meaning the surgery is quick and minimally invasive, with a low risk of infection or scarring. In addition, the risk of death due to the procedure is less than one in 1,000. However, there are potential risks and side effects to the procedure, such as excessive bleeding, blood clots, and dehydration. Another potential risk is stretching of the stomach pouch due to overeating, which can lead to the reversal of the procedure.
Finally, there is also the possibility of nutritional deficiencies due to the smaller volume of stomach that remains post-surgery. Overall, gastric sleeve surgery is considered safe and effective. However, patients should be aware of the potential risks and side effects and be prepared to commit to a lifetime of healthy eating habits following the procedure. All potential risks should be discussed with a doctor prior to undergoing the surgery.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Work?
Gastric sleeve surgery is an increasingly popular form of bariatric surgery for those wishing to lose weight. The procedure involves removing part of the stomach, resulting in a smaller stomach size and a decrease in appetite. The procedure is considered safe and is minimally invasive, with a low rate of complications.
Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, it is important to understand both the effects and potential risks of the procedure. Gastric sleeve surgery leads to an immediate reduction in appetite and, as a result, weight-loss is expected. Additionally, this procedure has positive effects on diabetes, hypertension, and other disease linked to obesity.
Gastric Sleeve Risks
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of bariatric surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that helps reduce the volume of size of the stomach. It has seen much success in helping people with excessive weight loss, and even treating type 2 diabetes. However, as with any type of surgery, there are potential risks and complications that must be taken into consideration.
Immediate Complications
Immediate complications from gastric sleeve surgery include serious infections of the wound, massive blood clotting and severe bleeding, which can be life-threatening. The risk of infection can be reduced through proper preparation for the surgery and good post-operative care. Also, the risk of bleeding may be higher if a patient has an undiagnosed bleeding disorder.
Long-term Complications
As with any type of surgery, there are certain long-term complications that can occur. These include the possibility of the stomach pouch stretching out, which can lead to a reversal of weight loss. This can occur if the patient returns to pre-operative eating patterns, or fails to have follow-up visits. In some cases, a condition called “dumping syndrome” may occur, which is caused when foods move too quickly out of the stomach, leading to nausea, abdominal pain, sweating and diarrhea.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Since gastric sleeve surgery significantly reduces the size of the stomach, some patients may not be able to consume enough food in order to obtain the necessary nutrients their body needs. As a result, they may experience nutrient deficiencies that can only be corrected with an appropriate diet, vitamins and minerals.
Possible Strictures
Scarring of the stomach lining is a risk associated with gastric sleeve surgery, as scar tissue can build up around the openings or openings in the stomach that allow digestive juices to pass from the stomach to the small intestine. This can lead to a chronic condition known as a stricture or narrowing of the stomach opening. Strictures can cause severe discomfort and potentially block nutrition to the small intestine, leading to malnutrition.
