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Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve

Can I Expect Post-Operative Problems with Eating, or Bowel Movements?

After surgery, you will have to learn new dietary habits. While this new eating pattern is being established, overeating or eating too fast may lead to some episodes of vomiting. For the first few days, only small amounts of clear liquids will be allowed. Solid foods will not be introduced until clear liquids and soft foods can be consumed. The progression to solids is slow and varies among patients. Initially, you begin with only eight teaspoons of food. Eating must be done slowly and stopped when you feel full. Only small portions three times a day are allowed. Eating too much at one sitting can cause vomiting.

To learn more about gastric sleeve diet, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

How Long Will It Take To Recover From the Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The average stay for gastric sleeve surgery patients is typically 23 hours for observation. Generally, patients will need to take 2-3 weeks off of work, but some recover after only one week. Exercise can resume within 4-6 weeks after the surgery.*

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery recovery, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

How is the Gastric Sleeve Procedure Performed?

Approximately 80-85% of the outer curvature of the stomach is removed to create a tube or sleeve shape, significantly reducing the size of the stomach.* The procedure is done laparoscopically, which means the incisions are tiny and the surgeon utilizes a tiny camera (called a laparoscope) to remove the portion of the stomach.

To learn more about the gastric sleeve procedure, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

What are the Risks and Complications of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

As with all surgeries, there are standard risks and complications that could occur from the gastric sleeve procedure. Risks include leakage from the staple line, infection, blood clotting, nausea, vomiting and other side effects. Gastric Sleeve complications are rare, but it reinforces how important it is to select a competent and qualified surgeon for your procedure. The right surgeon can greatly reduce the chance of any risks as well as your overall recovery time.

To learn more about the risks and complications associated with gastric sleeve surgery, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

What is a Gastric Sleeve?

The Gastric Sleeve is so named due to the sleeve-like shape of the stomach after the surgery is performed. Approximately 85% of the stomach is removed, so the remaining stomach is shaped more like a tube or "sleeve". Gastric Sleeve surgery is a proven and effective method for helping patients suffering from obesity and weight-related conditions find a solution to their weight problems.*

To learn more about the gastric sleeve, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

What are the Benefits of the Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric Sleeve surgery is considered much safer than more invasive surgeries like Gastric Bypass and Duodenal switch.

There is also no malabsorption of nutrients as the Gastric Sleeve is an entirely restrictive process and all nutrients are absorbed from the food you eat. The amount of weight loss is also significant and comparable to other weight loss surgeries, with some reports stating loss of up 30-50% excess weight within the first 6-12 months.* Unlike the Gastric Banding procedure, or the LAP-BAND, there is no need for strict follow ups and adjustment of the band.

To learn more about the health benefits of gastric sleeve surgery, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Is There a Risk of Death with the Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The mortality rate in gastric sleeve is less than 1% and it lies between the LAP-BAND, which is the safest, and gastric bypass surgery, which carries the highest risk. You should be aware that although your gastric surgery team do everything possible to minimize the risk, it cannot be reduced to zero.

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery risks, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Could I Fail to Lose Weight After Having Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Results can vary because of a number of factors. Even though Gastric Sleeve Surgery can limit the amount of food consumed, lifestyle changes are critical to weight loss success. Your gastric sleeve surgery team is available to help you make the correct dietary and exercise choices post-surgery to best assure you reach your weight loss goals.

To learn more about the gastric sleeve and weight loss expectations, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Are There Common Side Effects Associated with Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

As with any surgery there are possible risks and complications with the Gastric Sleeve, including but not limited to blood clotting, infection, vomiting, nausea, dehydration and in rare cases, leakage and reoperation

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery side effects, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

How Much Weight Can I Lose After Having Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

While weight loss will be slow and gradual, expect to lose anywhere from 25-55% of excess weight within the first year, but individual results may vary.* An individual's food choices and amount of exercise will also contribute to their level of weight loss.

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and weight loss expectations, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Who is eligible for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is approved for patients (18 years and above) with a BMI of 40 or more or for patients with a BMI of at least 35 plus at least one severe obesity-related health condition such as sleep apnea, asthma or type 2 diabetes.

To learn more about gastric sleeve qualifications and requirements, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

How Long is the Recovery Time After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

On average, post-surgery observation for Gastric Sleeve Surgery is 23 hours. It can take 2-3 weeks before you can return to work, but some individual are able to return to low-activity work after 1 week. It is usually 4-6 weeks before you can resume physical exercise. If there are any complications or special circumstances, you surgeon will be able to advise you on the steps to return to normal physical activity.

To learn more about gastric sleeve recovery, as well as weight loss surgery options in Los Angeles, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers office at 1-855-690-0559.

Is the Gastric Sleeve reversible?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is non-reversible. A large portion of the stomach is removed and your stomach is permanently reduced in size to most effectively reduce hunger and weight.

To learn more about the gastric sleeve and weight loss surgery, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Will I need to exercise and diet after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is not an immediate fix; it is an effective tool to help you achieve a lower weight and a reduction in obesity-related conditions. Combined with diet and exercise, the Gastric Sleeve can help you reach your weight loss goals and healthier lifestyle. Our website, nutritionists and surgeons will be able to help you establish an enjoyable diet that will help reduce calories and balance your nutritional needs. Generally, regular exercising will help to improve your overall health.

To learn more about exercise and diet after gastric sleeve surgery, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Will I need plastic surgery due to weight loss after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Plastic surgery may be cosmetically used to remove excessive skin folds after you lose a significant amount of weight, but you should wait for at least 1 year after your Gastric Sleeve surgery to give your skin time to mold around your new body tissue.

To learn more about plastic surgery after gastric sleeve, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery safe?

The Gastric Sleeve incorporates the most cutting-edge techniques in Weight Loss Surgery. It is usually much less invasive than Gastric Bypass with a lower mortality rate. All surgery has risks, but since your intestines are not rerouted in this procedure, the risks and recovery time are greatly reduced.

To learn more about gastric sleeve safety, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

What does minimally invasive mean?

The Gastric Sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically utilizing a tiny camera called a laparoscope. The incisions made in the abdomen are very small and long thin instruments are used to reduce the size of the stomach. Since the cutting is minimal, scars are smaller and recovery time is much shorter than most other bariatric surgeries.

To learn more about the gastric sleeve procedure, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers office at 1-855-690-0559.

Will I Be More Sensitive to Alcohol Following Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

With Gastric Sleeve Surgery, alcohol absorption remains just as it was before the surgery, so you shouldn't be more sensitive to alcohol per se. Gastric Sleeve Surgery differs from gastric bypass surgery as there is no rerouting of the intestines or malabsorption.

To learn more about alcohol absorption and gastric sleeve surgery, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Can I drink alcohol after having Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

It is not harmful for you to drink an occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage after Gastric Sleeve Surgery, but drinking alcohol on a regular basis will likely hinder your loss of weight. Alcohol is very high calories and breaks down vitamins that your body needs to remain healthy, so talk with your dietitian or surgeon for what amount of alcohol you can reasonably enjoy.

To learn more about drinking alcohol with the gastric sleeve, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Can I Drink Beer After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

After Gastric Sleeve surgery, it is ok to drink beer in moderation, but you need to be aware that beer is filled with empty calories that will make losing weight more difficult and the carbonation in beer can expand your new Stoma, allowing you to eat more food and defeating the purpose of having had the gastric sleeve surgery. Drinking beer after gastric sleeve surgery may also cause heartburn or acid reflux.

To learn more about drinking beer with the gastric sleeve, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Will I get sick while eating after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is only meant to limit the amount of food that you eat. If you experience nausea or feel sick when eating, this could be a result of failing to chew your food thoroughly or failing to follow your diet. If nausea or discomfort persists, you should get in touch with your surgeon as soon as possible. You should also avoid vomiting as much as possible because this will make the pouch of your small stomach to stretch.

To learn more about eating habits and gastric sleeve, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Will Having the Gastric Sleeve Surgery Affect Any Physical Activities?

Getting the Gastric Sleeve Surgery shouldn’t affect any physical activities once the surgery has fully healed, which is usually between 4 to 6 weeks. This includes strenuous activities including aerobics and stretching.

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and exercise, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Will I Need Vitamin Supplements After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery will help you lose weight by making you feel full while eating less food than you have in the past. During your regular office visits, a specialist will help determine if you are getting the proper amount of nutrition from the food you are eating. this will include vitamins such as B12, folic acid and iron.

To learn more about the gastric sleeve and post-surgery nutrition, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Can I Take Medications After Having Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Prescribed medication shouldn't be a problem after having Gastric Sleeve Surgery, although you may be required to take the Medicine in capsules. Breaking large tablets in half or dissolving them in water will help ensure that the medication doesn't get stuck in your stomach and make you feel ill.

Your doctor may also ask you to stay away from aspirin as well as other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs that are meant to relieve pain as these drugs are likely to irritate the stomach and increase the risk of bleeding during your operation.

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and its affect on medication, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cause Constipation?

Due to a decreased intake of food including less fiber, the volume of your stools may reduce and this is quite normal. However, this reduction in bowl movement should not cause in any severe problems so you should consult your doctor if any difficulties arise. If you do experience a problem with constipation, your doctor will probably suggest that you take a mild laxative in addition to drinking plenty of water. Needs are likely to differ from one person to another, but it is generally recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water every day.

Initial constipation right after your surgery is likely related to narcotic pain medication and can easily be relieved by taking milk of magnesia.

To learn more about gastric sleeve side effects, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers offices at 1-855-690-0559.

Does the Gastric Sleeve Surgery make you hungry?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is designed to help you feel full while eating less. If you follow the nutrition guidelines set by your Los Angeles gastric surgical team when choosing your meals, and if you chew your food thoroughly, then you shouldn't feel hungry or deprived between meals. The removal of the hunger hormone Ghrelin also significantly reduces the feeling of hunger, and despite the smaller amount of food you consume, you shouldn't feel more hungry.

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and hunger, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Do I need insurance pre-approval before making a Gastric Sleeve Surgery Appointment?

No pre-approval for the Gastric Sleeve Surgery is needed to schedule an appointment or consultation, but you may want to send us your insurance information by filling out our Gastric Sleeve Qualification Form so that we can verify your coverage for the Gastric Sleeve Surgery procedure. You can also call our Gastric Sleeve Insurance Specialists at 1-855-690-0559 for information on your policy and your insurance company's criteria for eligibility.

To learn more about gastric sleeve cost and insurance coverage, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Can I still become pregnant following Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric Sleeve surgery for weight loss may actually increase your chance of becoming pregnant because as you lose weight, your menstrual cycle will become more regular. Generally pregnancy is not recommended for the first 18 months after sleeve gastrectomy. You should consult with your gastric sleeve surgeon before attempting pregnancy to ensure you are receiving all the nutrition necessary. Also, be aware that the risk of pregnancy after gastric surgery is considerably less than being pregnant while obese.

To learn more about gastric sleeve and weight loss surgery following pregnancy, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Will I lose my hair after Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Hair loss can occur through nutritional deficiency after the surgery. Consult with your surgeon in regards to the appropriate supplements to take after surgery to ensure you are getting the full nutrition your body needs.

To learn more about hair loss and the gastric sleeve, please call The Gastric Sleeve Centers at 1-855-690-0559.

Will Insurance Cover My Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Even as recent as within the last few months, more and more insurance companies are covering Gastric Sleeve surgery. It is important to check with the staff with Gastric Sleeve of Los Angeles prior to considering surgery to see about your insurance plan's coverage. If insurance does not cover the procedure, you can still go ahead with the surgery by paying through other financial means. Our Gastric Sleeve Insurance Specialists can be reached just by calling our free Insurance Hotline at 1-855-690-0559 or by filling out our FREE Gastric Sleeve Insurance Qualification Form.

Always remember that you can call our Gastric Sleeve hotline any time at 1-855-690-0559 to speak with our Gastric Sleeve Qualification experts to determine if the Gastric Sleeve is right for you!