Bariatric surgery is a tool to help patients with obesity with their battle to regain control of their health. Sleeve gastrectomy, a type of bariatric surgery offered nationwide, is available via the Shannon Weight Loss Center.
The goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce the patient's caloric intake and curb hunger. The sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure that narrows the size of the stomach, causing you to consume fewer calories.
The operation removes the receptors that trigger hunger which causes the appetite to decrease.
Revisions for Prior Procedures
Our surgeons can also perform procedures to help correct prior bariatric surgeries that are no longer effective for the patient.
Gastric Band Removal
Over time, gastric bands can stretch causing them to slip out of position, leak or no longer effectively constrict the stomach as intended. Patients who have previously used the gastric band procedure can be candidates for a gastric sleeve procedure. This approach is usually done in stages, first removing the band, and then later a second operation to perform the gastric sleeve. We encourage you to talk to our team to learn more about this option.
Gastric Sleeve Revision
Gastric Sleeve Revision is a procedure that is common for patients who have had a Sleeve Gastrectomy who have regained weight and can consume larger meal portions. For some patients, their sleeve may get bigger over time, so a revision can reduce the sleeve so patients can more easily achieve a sense of fullness.
Bariatric Surgery Process
Bariatric surgery is a permanent change to the body and our Bariatric team must make sure patients are mentally and physically capable of tolerating the procedure. The professionals at the Weight Loss Center follow patients pre- and post-operatively. Prior to the operation, patients will have a tailored pre-op clearance plan.
Patients should expect to lose 60 to 70 percent of their excess body weight after the sleeve gastrectomy procedure. How quickly the weight is lost varies for each patient. They may be able to stop taking medications and reverse conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Surgery is only one part of a patient's weight-loss journey. The doctors make sure the operation is a success from the operation standpoint, but the patient plays a crucial role in having a successful outcome. They have to adhere to a diet and exercise regimen.
Patients are given a bariatric manual that offers an in-depth look into the operation itself, including pre- and post-operative care required, dietary plans, medications, exercise, and foods to avoid.
Office Visits
The initial visit may be a class that will cover if you qualify for bariatric surgery:
Discuss options and formulate plan
Referred to our registered dietitian, GI department, and psychologist
Meet with our Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to discuss sleeve gastrectomy to include preoperative workup, procedure, possible complications, expected results, and how to begin preparing for surgery.
Second Visit:
Meet with Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to address any medical conditions you have and what diagnostic testing will need to be ordered prior to surgery
Discuss lifestyle modifications to prepare for surgery
Referral appointments needed will be discussed
Third Visit:
We will review the results of any lab and diagnostic tests
Ensure you’re staying on track with preoperative workup
Discussed preoperative diet, preoperative medications, what to expect the day of surgery and postoperative medications
Fourth Visit:
Meet with Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to discuss postoperative diet and supplementation following surgery
You will not be scheduled for surgery until we have received approval from your insurance company
Last Visit:
Meet with surgeon for pre-operative visit
The surgeon will be able to review the procedure, answer questions, and ensure you’re ready for surgery.
Benefits
Average of 66% excess weight loss at 3 years
Our program average is 55% in 6 months
Average waist circumference lost within 6 months post-procedure is 10 inches for males and 8-9 inches for females
The average Hemoglobin A1c before surgery was 7.1. After 1 year post procedure, the average decreased to 5.5
No significant changes in digestive process
Cannot be reversed although it can be converted to other procedure
Possible Complications
Gastric leak from staple line
Ulcers
Dyspepsia (indigestion)
Esophageal Dysmotility
Fistula (abnormal connections)
Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in lung)
Delayed gastric emptying
Splenic injury
Stricture (narrowing)
Late Choledocholithiasis (gallstones)
Nutritional deficiencies
Post-Operative Management
After surgery, you will discharge home the same day
Meds: Prevacid, Vitamin Patch, Gabapentin, Celebrex, Eliquis, Zofran and other medications prescribed as needed
Clear liquids first 48 hours, full liquids next two weeks, and slow progression to solid foods as directed
Return to work in 1-2 weeks
No heavy lifting (over 30lbs) for 4-6 weeks
No strenuous activity for 4 weeks
Vitamin and nutrient supplementation
Long-Term Follow Up
Follow-up appointments and laboratory studies are important to your long-term success
You will have appointments schedules for 10-14 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, 24 months, then yearly thereafter
