Gastric Sleeve is an operation with short and long-term results. The long-term results should be taken into account when evaluating the procedure. This is because long-term results are considered more meaningful in terms of durability and the smooth course of the procedure.
WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM RESULTS OF Gastric Sleeve?
The long-term results of Gastric Sleeve surgery can occur after a few months or a few years. Since the main goal of this surgery is weight loss and thus the treatment of obesity, it is much clearer how successful it is in relation to this goal in the long term.
The long-term results are not the same for everyone. For example, while some patients achieve the desired results at the time of weight loss, others state that they do not achieve the desired results and are unable to derive any benefit from the surgery. In other words, long-term results may vary depending on the patient. The long-term results of the procedure are as follows:
WEIGHT LOSS
Weight loss is one of the most important long-term results of this procedure. Immediately after the procedure, patients begin to lose weight rapidly. There are even patients who lose 10kg in one month. Over time, however, weight loss slows down. The weight loss continues as long as the instructions are followed.
In the first 6 months, patients lose between 30 and 40 kg. Those who continue to diet, exercise and follow their doctor’s instructions lose all their excess weight in 12-18 months on average. This makes obesity a thing of the past for these patients.
REFLUSION
Reflux is one of the long-term negative problems. Although the probability of occurrence is not very high, reflux can occur in some patients. In this condition, stomach acid leaks into the oesophagus and damages the oesophagus.
A muscle called the oesophageal siphon prevents stomach acid from entering the oesophagus. However, surgery weakens this muscle in some patients and it can no longer fully fulfil its function. The reason for the weakening of this muscle can also be due to incorrect lifestyle habits after the operation.
Depending on the extent of the reflux and the discomfort it causes in the patient, it should be treated in different ways.
QUALITY OF LIFE
One of the most important long-term results of the procedure is that it significantly improves quality of life. As patients lose weight, their mobility increases and their appearance improves. This leads to more self-confidence and greater participation in social life. All of this improves quality of life.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
The long-term results of Gastric Sleeve surgery also include the psychological effects of the procedure. While these effects are positive for some patients, they can be negative for others. A significant part of the psychological impact is due to the nutritional problems experienced during the initial period.
During the initial period, patients may experience problems such as nausea and vomiting. Although these are caused by the wrong diet, they are difficult for patients. After some time, these difficulties drain patients psychologically.
Improving appearance and boosting self-confidence are positive psychological effects. Thanks to these positive effects, some of the psychological problems that occurred in the past can be overcome.
EATING HABITS
After the operation, patients have to change their eating habits. This is because the weight loss continues and the stomach shrinks. Reducing portions, eating less than before, means a serious change in eating habits.
These changes are not as easy as some patients think. There are even some patients who only have psychological problems because of their eating habits. Therefore, before the operation, it is checked whether the patient is psychologically ready for the operation.
SURGICAL RISKS
Surgical risks play an important role in the long-term results of Gastric Sleeve surgery. Although there are various risks, the leak in the staple suture can be considered the most important risk. Although this risk has reached a low level thanks to today’s medical technology, it can still occur. If the main symptoms such as high fever and abdominal pain occur, the doctor should be contacted directly.
REGAINING THE LOST WEIGHT
One of the long-term consequences of the procedure is regaining the lost weight. Patients who do not pay attention to their diet and exercise can regain the weight they lost in the first few months. As the stomach is a flexible organ, it stretches if the diet is not followed. As a result, patients return to their old eating habits and gain weight again.
Gastric Sleeve is one of the most important treatments for obesity. Patients should follow the instructions, diet and exercise programmes to achieve long-term positive results and overcome obesity.
