Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy or sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive weight-loss surgical procedure that is usually performed laparoscopically. Studies show that gastric sleeve surgery can help tackle obesity as well as obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy typically entails reducing the stomach by removing up to 80% of it, leading to weight loss.

What does vertical sleeve gastrectomy involve?

Gastric sleeve surgery is usually done using a laparoscope, which is minimally invasive. This essentially means long tubes are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. The laparoscope has a camera and a light attached to it in addition to various surgical instruments.

General anesthesia is used during the procedure and the surgery often involves dividing the stomach into two parts. Therefore, almost 80% of the stomach is cut away to create a small banana-shaped pouch that is 20 to 25% of its initial size.

The procedure takes one or two hours and once it’s complete the patient is moved to a recovery room for post-surgery care. Recovery from anesthesia typically takes one hour and the incisions made on the abdomen usually heal very quickly largely due to the minimally invasive approach.

Most patients are able to go home within 2 or three days unless there are serious complications.

Is gastric sleeve surgery the best weight loss surgery for diabetics?

By significantly reducing the size of the stomach, patients feel full faster and stop eating, hence taking in significantly fewer calories. Also, the section of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone, ghrelin, is removed so the brain is less prone to hunger signals.

Research by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric surgery indicates that people who undergo gastric sleeve surgery lose at least 50% of their excess weight within the first 18 to 20 months after the surgery. In fact, some people lose up to 70% of their excess weight, which has been shown to help reverse or manage diabetes symptoms.

However, it is essential to note that you can only enjoy these benefits if you stay committed to following the exercise and diet plan recommended by your doctor. Adhering to these changes increases your chances of keeping off the excess weight long-term as well as reducing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Have you heard of the Eli Lilly Diabetes drug for weight loss? Read more about it HERE!

What are the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery?

Losing excess weight helps improve your general quality of life and makes it easier to perform normal daily activities. Another critical benefit of losing weight is reducing the risk of obesity-related complications, such as:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension (type 2 diabetes)
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)

Am I a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

It is essential to note that most types of bariatric surgery, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, are only considered options when attempts to lose weight by improving your exercise and diet habits have not worked and the use of recommended weight loss medications has not produced any substantial results.

Even then, patients must meet some conditions in order to be eligible for gastric sleeve surgery. Most of these factors are based on your BMI (body mass index) and whether the patient is suffering from obesity-related conditions.

Gastric sleeve surgery conditions include:

• Morbid (extreme) obesity (people with a BMI score of above 40)
• Obesity (BMI of 35 to 39.99) with at least one obesity-related complication/condition.

In some cases, sleeve gastrectomy can be done if you are overweight (not obese), but you are suffering from health conditions related to being overweight.

Risks and side effects of gastric sleeve surgery

Just like other surgical procedures, gastric sleeve surgery comes with potential risks, both short-term and long-term. Some of the risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery can include:

Short-term side effects

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Excessive bleeding
• Breathing or lung problems
• Unpleasant effects of anesthesia
• Leaks

Gastric Sleeve Long-term Risks

• Hernias
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Malnutrition

However, it is essential to keep in mind that the risk of developing serious complications is very low and these complications are rarely fatal.

Read more about Bariatric Surgery and Diabetes HERE!

The bottom line

In order to qualify for vertical sleeve surgery, patients must meet certain conditions. For instance, you may need to prove that other conventional weight loss methods, such as weight loss medications, diet, and exercise have failed. Your surgeon will also consider your BMI as well as other obesity-related complications you may have.

Just like any other surgical procedure, gastric sleeve surgery has its own potential risks, side effects, and complications. Therefore, if you are considering gastric sleeve surgery as a weight-loss method and/or type 2 diabetes control strategy, you should consult your surgeon to check whether this is actually the best option for you.