Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure designed to provide dramatic weight loss for those with obesity or weight-related health conditions. The procedure removes a portion of the stomach, leading to rapid weight loss that starts in the weeks and months following the operation.
Gastric sleeve surgery is a relatively straightforward and common procedure offering a range of health benefits but it is still a major surgery. It is natural to feel wary about the procedure and have plenty of questions. One of the most common questions we get asked is “How long is gastric sleeve surgery?”. A completely valid question.
Considering that gastric sleeve surgery is a major procedure, it is generally short and has a relatively quick recovery period.
How long is gastric sleeve surgery?
The surgery itself takes about 30 minutes to one hour to complete. The duration of time required in the operating theatre can increase from factors like a higher BMI, previous abdominal surgeries (a caesarean section, appendectomy, etc), and any additional repairs, such as a hiatal hernia repair.
While gastric sleeve surgery is a major operation, it is a relatively common and standardised procedure. Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon will use the laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ procedure, which involves a small cut on the stomach, usually near the belly button, through which air is pumped, making it easier for the surgeon to see the inside of the stomach. The surgeon will remove three-quarters of the stomach and staple the organ vertically and narrowly.
What to expect pre gastric sleeve surgery
The surgeon will conduct a range of assessments, including a physical assessment, blood test, imaging, a nutritional assessment, and a psychological assessment, to ensure that the procedure is suitable and safe. The bariatric surgeon will also provide information on the risks and commitment associated with the surgery. Once gastric sleeve surgery is deemed suitable, the next step is to prepare for the procedure.
3 weeks before surgery
Three weeks before the surgery, a Very Low Energy Diet (VLED) will be implemented to reduce the size of the liver and provide easier access to the stomach for the surgeon, minimising the risk of surgical complications. A VLED diet involves consuming a low amount of carbohydrates, like bread, pasta, rice, root vegetables, and sugary foods and drinks, and a focus on protein. Staying hydrated is also extremely important in these weeks leading up to the procedure.
Any medication currently being taken will be assessed by the surgeon and determined whether it is safe to continue taking before and after surgery.
2 to 3 days before surgery
An all-liquid diet, including broth, gelatin, and water, will be required in the two to three days before surgery - all consumption must stop at midnight on the day of the surgery.
Within the few days leading up to the sleeve gastrectomy, it’s essential to make arrangements in the home to have all necessary items easily accessible, without the need for bending or reaching. A close friend or family member should be notified about the surgery and willing to help out with everyday tasks, such as cooking, shopping, laundry, cleaning, and driving on the day of and in the days following the procedure.
What to expect post gastric sleeve surgery
After surgery, it is required to remain in the hospital for one to two days so the surgeon can monitor closely and ensure you’re recovering well. Post gastric sleeve surgery, symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, abdominal pain and discomfort, weakness, and light-headedness are not uncommon. Any pain in the incision site is managed through prescribed oral medication, where the dosage can be adjusted up or down depending on the pain levels.
When it is time to go home, the surgeon will provide a meal and recovery plan for the next few weeks. The meal plan starts off with pureed foods, followed by soft foods, and then progresses to regular foods. All meals must be small and eaten slowly to avoid feelings of sickness and putting pressure on the stomach as it heals.
How long does it take to heal from gastric sleeve surgery?
Recovery time will vary on a case-by-case basis; however, the stomach will undergo a healing process that can take about 6 to 8 weeks after gastric sleeve surgery. Within three weeks, symptoms of the surgery will begin to ease, energy will start to return, and normal routine can be resumed with minimal discomfort.
To learn more about the process of gastric sleeve surgery, contact the team at Central Coast Surgery today. Backed by a team of psychologists, dieticians, bariatric surgeons and physicians, we are dedicated to helping those suffering from obesity maximise weight loss and turn their lives around through a safe and effective process. Led by Dr. Ken Wong, we offer gastric sleeve surgery in the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Sydney.