How long does a gastric sleeve last?

What is a Gastric Sleeve/Sleeve Gastrectomy?

A gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a kind of weight loss surgery that significantly reduces the stomach’s original size.

The length of time for weight loss following the gastric sleeve surgery depends on how much weight an individual has to lose and their dedication to dietary changes. 

In general, people can lose weight quickly at first and then slow down as they near their goal.

There are two types of gastric sleeve surgeries:

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The Open Approach

An incision is made from top to bottom, in the centre of your stomach. This kind of weight loss surgery leaves a scar that is about the size of your index finger

The Laparoscopic Approach

In this type, four small incisions are made in your abdomen to insert laparoscopic instruments and a camera through which surgeons can see into the abdominal cavity.

The stomach is divided by using endoscopy or surgical stapling devices, with no visible scars.

However, there may be some swelling due to fluid accumulation around internal organs as they heal from surgery for up to six weeks after surgery on average.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery – How Long Does It Last?

Gastric sleeve surgery is considered permanent and the stomach stays at its new size.

In fact, the average gastric sleeve lasts between 15-20 years depending on how much an individual needs to lose weight and their dedication to dietary changes.

However, sometimes this small pouch may stretch and weight gain can occur if there are dietary changes that increase appetite or over-eating.

If you gain back any of your lost weight after gastric sleeve surgery, then this could affect your health negatively in terms of the diseases that you could develop.

That’s why gastric sleeve surgery isn’t considered a permanent fix, and maintaining an ideal weight is crucial to the continued maintenance of your health benefits over time.

Moreover, gastric sleeve surgery is reversible should the need for additional weight loss arise at any point in time, or if other health problems arise.

​Gastric Sleeve – Weight Loss and Other Benefits

The three main patient benefits of gastric sleeve surgery are:

Weight Loss

Clients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or more can usually expect to lose 50-80% of excess weight within 12 months, and maintain the weight loss gradually thereafter.

Type 2 Diabetes

Clients with type 2 diabetes without kidney disease who have a BMI of 35 or more can usually expect to lose weight and see significant improvement in blood glucose control within the first few weeks.

High Blood Pressure

​Clients with high blood pressure who have a BMI of 35 or more can usually see an initial drop within the first week after gastric sleeve surgery.

However, it takes two to three months from the day of the gastric sleeve surgery for the blood pressure results to stabilize and achieve a sustainable improvement.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery – Does it Require Maintenance?

​A gastric sleeve doesn’t require maintenance in the traditional sense, but patients must continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen both before and after surgery.

This includes maintaining a normal diet that focuses mainly on fruits and vegetables, which contain less sugar and water compared to other types of food.

Maintaining a normal exercise routine is also necessary in order to keep your weight within the ideal range over time. But this doesn’t mean that gastric sleeve patients can’t enjoy any of their favourite activities anymore.

One has to bear in mind though, that gastric sleeve surgery is not a weight-loss cure-all. After the procedure, you’ll need to be consistent with your diet and exercise in order to continue losing weight. The weight loss also takes time, so patience is required during recovery.

Here at The Health Store Turkey, we recommend that patients take steps towards long term lifestyle changes which include making dietary modifications (eating less) as well as increasing daily physical activity (moving more).

Gastric Sleeve Surgery – Will it Require Removal Later On?

Even though gastric sleeve surgery doesn’t require removal later on, patients will still need medical follow-ups in order to make sure their weight remains stable.

Many people have been satisfied with the results of their weight loss surgery, while others have said that it wasn’t enough to make a difference.

If you’re thinking about having any type of weight loss surgery done in order to improve your health, then it’s important to consult with your doctor first. You may call our office at The Health Store Turkey and we will be more than glad to schedule you for an appointment if you need to know more. 

By asking the right questions and following their guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, gastric sleeve surgery can offer you the weight loss benefits that you need in order to lead a healthier life over time.

FAQs

​​Do gastric sleeve patients need regular follow-ups?​

Yes, most surgeons recommend that their patients take steps towards long term lifestyle changes which include making dietary modifications (eating less) as well as increasing daily physical activity (moving more).

Does a gastric sleeve require maintenance in the traditional sense?

No, it doesn’t require maintenance in the traditional sense, but patients must continue to follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen both before and after surgery.

Are gastric sleeve patients satisfied with the results?

Most gastric sleeve patients are satisfied with their results. Depending on the initial weight of the patient, they can lose anywhere from 20 to 100 pounds in the first year. That translates to a loss of one pound per day!

They are also less likely to have chronic health problems associated with obesity, such as diabetes and high blood pressure