Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Q: Will I be sick a lot after the operation?

A: The sleeve gastrectomy limits food intake. If you feel nauseated or sick on a regular basis, it may mean that you are not chewing your food well or that you are not following the diet rules properly. Vomiting should be avoided during the early stages of recovery while your new stomach heals.

Q: How long will it take to recover after surgery?

A: As weight loss surgery is performed laparoscopically, patients typically spend 2-3 days in hospital. It takes most patients about 3-4 weeks to return to work and six weeks to resume exercising.

Q: How much weight will I lose?

A: Weight-loss results vary from patient to patient, and the amount of weight you may lose depends on several things. However, with the restriction from the sleeve the average excess weight loss achieved is 50%. Twelve to eighteen months after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less. Your main goal is to have weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health problems connected with severe obesity.

Q: Does weight loss surgery require frequent office visits after surgery?

A: It is important to be reviewed in the clinic, especially over the first year. Thereafter with the sleeve gastrectomy fewer clinic visits or blood tests are required than other types of weight loss surgery.

Q: Does the sleeve gastrectomy restrict any physical activity?

A: The sleeve gastrectomy does not affect or hamper physical activity including aerobics, stretching and strenuous exercise.

Q: Will I need plastic surgery for the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?

A: That is not always the case. As a rule, plastic surgery will not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation. Sometimes the skin will mold itself around the new body tissue. You should give the skin the time it needs to adjust before you decide to have more surgery. However, the more you exercise during the first year following surgery the more fat you burn and muscle you tone.

Q: Will I feel hungry or deprived after a sleeve?

A: This is rare. A feeling of fullness is common with small portions following a sleeve. It is also thought that there are some hormone changes with this operation which changes the sensation of hunger

Q: What will happen if I become ill or need an operation?

A: The sleeve, although restricting your food intake, is not affected by illness or further surgery. You may struggle taking certain medications and it may be better to seek small tablets or liquid or soluble forms of your medications.

Q: What about pregnancy?

A: Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may become more regular. It is advisable to undergo regular blood tests during pregnancy, but the sleeve gastrectomy is unlikely to interfere or cause harm during your pregnancy.

Q: Will I need to take vitamin supplements?

A: It is advisable to take a multi-vitamin on a daily basis

Q: What about other medication?

A: You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules, break big tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they do not get stuck in the stoma and make you sick. You should always ask the doctor who prescribes the drugs about this.

Q: What if I go out to eat?

A: Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly. Finish at the same time as your table companions. You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much.

Q: What about alcohol?

A: Alcohol has a high number of calories. It also breaks down vitamins. An occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage, though, is not considered harmful to weight loss.

Q: Can I eat anything in moderation?

A: After your stomach has healed, you may eat most foods that don't cause you discomfort. However, because you can only eat a little it is important to include foods full of important vitamins and nutrients. If you eat foods that contain lots of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of "empty" calories, such as milkshakes, the effect of the sleeve gastrectomy may be greatly reduced.

Q: Will I suffer from constipation?

A: There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools, which is normal after a decrease in food intake because you eat less fibre. This should not cause you severe problems. If difficulties do arise, let us know as soon as possible.