Gastric Sleeve Turkey

A gastric sleeve refers to the shape of the stomach after a certain type of bariatric surgery, known as sleeve gastrectomy. In this surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving the remaining stomach in the shape of a narrow tube or “sleeve.”

Here is a more detailed overview of the procedure and outcome:

Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve Surgery)

• Procedure: During the sleeve gastrectomy, about 75–80% of the stomach is surgically removed. The remaining stomach takes the shape of a narrow tube or “sleeve,” which gives the surgery its name.
• Function: The reduction in stomach size significantly limits the amount of food a person can consume. This helps to restrict food intake and supports weight loss.
• Hormonal Changes: The surgery can also affect hunger by altering the production of certain hormones associated with hunger and satiety. This can lead to decreased food intake and increased feelings of fullness.
• Advantages Over Other Bariatric Procedures: Unlike gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve does not involve changes to the intestines. This reduces the risk of certain complications and nutritional deficiencies associated with procedures that reroute the intestines.
• Long-term Results: Many patients experience significant weight loss with a sleeve gastrectomy. However, as with all bariatric procedures, it is important for the patient to adhere to dietary and lifestyle recommendations to maintain weight loss and benefit from the health advantages of the procedure.

Final Word

Overall, the gastric sleeve refers both to the shape of the stomach post-surgery and a colloquial term for the procedure itself. It is one of the more popular bariatric procedures and is often chosen by patients seeking significant weight loss but not wanting to deal with the more complex risks and potential dietary restrictions associated with other surgeries like the gastric bypass.

Transparent Costs Thanks to Aesthetic Travel

Financing Options for Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The time you should wait before returning to work after a sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve surgery) depends on various factors, including:

1. Type of Work: Individuals performing physically demanding jobs may need to wait longer before returning to their work than those engaged in office work or other less physically demanding activities.
2. Complications after Surgery: If complications occur after the surgery, this can extend the recovery time.
3. Personal Recovery: Recovery time can vary from person to person. Some people may feel fit to return sooner, while others may need more time.

Generally, you can expect the following timeline

• Office work or sedentary activities: Many patients can return to work after about 1–2 weeks, provided they feel comfortable and there are no postoperative complications.
• Moderately physical work: It might be advisable to wait 2–4 weeks before resuming such tasks.
• Heavy physical work: In this case, patients may need to wait 4–6 weeks or longer, depending on how they feel and what their doctor recommends.

Conclusion

It is necessary to consult with the surgeon and medical team before returning to work. They can provide an accurate assessment of your recovery and offer specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual situation.

Furthermore, it is advisable to listen to your body upon returning to work and ensure you do not do too much too soon. It may also be helpful to discuss a gradual return to work or a temporary adjustment of work duties with your employer.

The choice between gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) and gastric bypass surgery depends on various factors, including individual health needs, weight loss goals, and potential comorbidities. Both procedures have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s an overview:

Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Advantages:

• Simpler Procedure: Only the stomach is reduced in size, and there is no rerouting of the small intestine.
• Less Nutritional Deficiencies: Since there’s no intestinal rerouting, nutritional deficiencies are less likely than with gastric bypass.
• Less Complications with Certain Medications: Some medications are absorbed in the stomach and may be better tolerated after a sleeve gastrectomy than after a bypass.

Disadvantages:

• Possibly Less Weight Loss: Although many people experience significant weight loss with a sleeve gastrectomy, the total weight loss may be less compared to gastric bypass.
• Reflux: Some patients report increased reflux after the surgery.

Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)

Advantages:

• Greater Weight Loss: Many people experience a greater initial weight loss with a gastric bypass than with a sleeve gastrectomy.
• Improvement of Comorbidities: Type 2 diabetes and other comorbidities have been reported to improve quicker and more effectively than with a sleeve gastrectomy.
• Reduced Appetite: The rerouting of the small intestine can lead to changed hormone production affecting appetite.

Disadvantages:

• More Complex Procedure: Gastric bypass requires both reduction of the stomach size and rerouting of the small intestine, leading to a more complex procedure.
• Increased Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies: Due to the intestinal rerouting, there may be deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that require lifelong supplementation.
• Possibility of “Dumping Syndrome”: Too rapid intestinal passage of food can lead to nausea, sweating, and diarrhea.

Decision Factors

• Health Condition: Individuals with severe diabetes or reflux might benefit more from a gastric bypass.
• Weight Loss Goals: Gastric bypass may lead to a greater initial weight loss.
• Willingness to Supplement: Individuals opting for a gastric bypass may need to supplement vitamins and minerals indefinitely.

Conclusion

It’s important to discuss the options with a bariatric surgeon and a dietitian to make an informed decision based on individual health needs and goals.

Reasons for Weight Gain after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

1. Body’s Adaptation: Over time, the gastric sleeve can stretch and increase its capacity, leading to increased food intake.
2. Eating Habits: If patients revert to their old eating habits, especially consuming high-calorie foods, they can regain weight.
3. Lack of Exercise: An inactive lifestyle can slow down weight loss or lead to weight gain.
4. Metabolic Changes: The body may reduce its energy expenditure to compensate for the weight loss in response to reduced calorie intake.

Preventing Weight Gain after Surgery

1. Regular Medical Check-ups: These can help monitor weight loss progress and make early adjustments.
2. Nutritional Counseling: Professional nutritional counseling can support patients in developing and maintaining healthy eating habits.
3. Exercise: A regular exercise program can not only assist in weight loss but also reduce the risk of comorbidities.
4. Support Groups: Interacting with others who have had similar experiences can provide motivation and support.

Conclusion

Waiting Period for Pregnancy After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

1. Waiting Period: It is generally recommended to wait at least 12 to 18 months after a sleeve gastrectomy before trying to become pregnant. This period allows the body to recover from the surgery and achieve most of the weight loss, which reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy.
2. Weight Stabilization: Ideally, pregnancy should be considered once the weight is stable. Continuous weight loss during pregnancy can be problematic for both the mother and the unborn child.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

1. Nutrient Deficiencies: After a sleeve gastrectomy, nutrient deficiencies can occur due to the reduced stomach size and lower food intake. These deficiencies can affect fetal development. Proper nutritional counseling and regular check-ups are important to ensure both the mother and the baby receive all necessary nutrients.
2. Medical Monitoring: Pregnant women who have had a sleeve gastrectomy should be closely monitored by a multidisciplinary team of obstetricians, nutrition experts, and bariatric surgeons.
3. Birth Complications: Although many women experience normal pregnancies and deliveries after weight loss through sleeve gastrectomy, there is a potentially increased risk for certain birth complications. It’s important to discuss this with the attending obstetrician.

Conclusion

Immediate Post-Operative Phase

Initial Recovery Phase

Mid Recovery Phase

Full Recovery

Ongoing Adjustments

Conclusion

Type and Intensity of Pain

Healing and Duration of Pain

Effective Pain Management

Additional Postoperative Discomforts

Tips and Tricks for Relief

Warning Signs: When to See a Doctor?

Foods to Avoid

1. Sugary Foods and Beverages: This includes sodas, sugar-sweetened juices, candies, some desserts. They can not only lead to weight gain but also trigger dumping syndrome, causing symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and diarrhea.
2. High-Fat Foods: Foods high in fat, such as fried foods, certain fast food items, full-fat dairy products, and oily dishes, can be hard to digest and cause stomach discomfort.
3. Dry or Tough Foods: This includes nuts, popcorn, certain types of meat like pork or steak, which can’t be well chewed. These can clog the small stomach.
4. Bread, Rice, and Pasta: Especially if not well chewed, they can expand in the stomach and lead to discomfort.
5. Carbonated Drinks: Sodas or sparkling water can cause gas and bloating and stretch the small stomach.
6. Alcohol: It is absorbed more quickly and can have a more intense effect. Plus, alcohol has many empty calories.
7. Raw or Poorly Chewed Vegetables: Certain types of vegetables can be hard to digest, especially if they are raw or not well chewed.
8. Caffeine: Some patients become more sensitive to caffeine after surgery and should therefore limit or avoid its consumption.
9. Dairy Products: Some people develop lactose intolerance after surgery and may not tolerate dairy products well.

Conclusion

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clinic in Turkey

1. Accreditations: Ensure the clinic has internationally recognized accreditations that ensure it meets certain quality and safety standards.
2. Surgeon’s Experience: Research the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and patient reviews.
3. Clinic Reviews: Check patient reviews and testimonials for the clinic and the surgeon.
4. Aftercare: Some clinics offer comprehensive aftercare, which is fundamental to the success of the surgery.
5. Communication: Make sure you can communicate effectively with the medical team and surgeon, either in English or another language you speak.

How Aesthetic Travel Can Help

1. Consultation and Information: They often offer consulting services to inform you about the procedure, surgeon, and clinic.
2. Organization: They can organize all aspects of your trip, including flights, accommodation, and transfers.
3. Coordination: They coordinate your appointments and ensure you know where to go and when.
4. On-site Support: Many providers offer on-site support through multilingual staff who can assist with questions or concerns.
5. Aftercare: Some providers, like Aesthetic Travel, can also assist with aftercare by offering follow-up appointments and consultations.

Conclusion

Nutritional Phases After Surgery:

1. Liquid Phase: Immediately after the surgery, patients should only consume clear liquids. After a few days, they can progress to thicker liquids like protein shakes or soups.
2. Puréed Food: After the liquid phase, patients can start with puréed foods, including soft fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
3. Soft Food: After several weeks, patients can transition to soft, solid foods.
4. Regular Food: Typically, patients can resume normal food about 8 weeks after the surgery, being especially careful with the texture and amount of food.

Key Dietary Guidelines:

1. Small, Frequent Meals: Due to the reduced size of the stomach, meals should be small. It is recommended to eat 5–6 small meals per day.
2. Protein: Protein should be the focus of the diet to minimize muscle loss.
3. Liquids: Staying hydrated is important. However, liquids should be consumed separately from meals to avoid overfilling.
4. Avoid Sugary and Fatty Foods: These can lead to intolerances and dumping syndrome.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements:

1. Multivitamin: A daily multivitamin can help cover most basic nutrient requirements.
2. Calcium: Often recommended to support bone density and health.
3. Iron: Particularly important for menstruating women or patients with anemia.
4. Vitamin B12: Absorption can be impaired by the surgery, so supplementation is often necessary.
5. Vitamin D: Supports bone health, along with calcium.
6. Folic Acid: Important for DNA synthesis and can lead to anemia if deficient.

Conclusion

The gastric sleeve surgery is typically performed as a laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery. This means that instead of one large incision, several small cuts are made through which surgical instruments and a camera are inserted. This technique reduces the risk of complications, recovery time, and leaves smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery.

Scars After Laparoscopic Surgery

Although the laparoscopic technique leaves smaller scars, it does not mean there are no scars at all. Every incision, even a small one, can lead to a scar. However, the size, shape, and visibility of the scar can vary and are often less noticeable than those from larger incisions.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

SILS, also known as Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (scarless gastric sleeve), is an advanced laparoscopic technique where only a single, small incision is made in the navel area, through which all necessary surgical instruments and the camera are inserted.

Advantages of SILS:

1. Aesthetics: Since the procedure is carried out through the navel, the resulting scar is often barely visible and offers a more aesthetically pleasing outcome than traditional laparoscopic methods with multiple incisions.
2. Less Pain: Some patients report less postoperative pain following SILS compared to conventional laparoscopic procedures.
3. Faster Recovery: Since only one incision is made, the recovery time may be shorter.

Aesthetic Travel and Scarless Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Aesthetic Travel is a service provider offering medical tourism services in Turkey. If you are considering a scarless gastric sleeve surgery and wish to have no visible scars, Aesthetic Travel can assist you in connecting with clinics and surgeons that offer such advanced, scarless gastric sleeve techniques.

Conclusion

While no surgical technique is completely scar-free, there are methods that can minimize the visibility of scars. If this is a major concern for you, it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon or a provider like Aesthetic Travel to understand your options and expectations. It’s also important to remember that post-operative care, such as avoiding sun exposure and using scar creams, can help minimize the appearance of scars.