Your Life-Changing Journey: All You Need to Know About Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Hello, dear readers! You’ve decided to turn over a new leaf in your life, haven’t you? We know you’re looking for the most accurate and reliable information to help you in your battle against obesity and to achieve a healthy body and mind. At Forever Clinica, we’re here to provide you with the most sincere and transparent information about Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy. Our goal is to leave no stone unturned as you make this important decision, preparing you in the most informed way possible. Remember, this isn’t a magic wand, but a solid beginning built with the right steps.
This entire journey takes place right here in Istanbul, Türkiye, a beautiful city that combines historical charm with modern medical excellence.
So, What Exactly Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is exactly what it sounds like: a procedure to turn your stomach into a tube. Imagine having about 75-80% of your stomach surgically removed. The remaining narrow, tube-like stomach physically restricts the amount of food you can eat. Additionally, the part of the stomach responsible for producing Ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” is removed, so you’ll feel less hungry. This means you’ll be hormonally and physically primed for weight loss. This operation isn’t just a tool for losing weight; it’s a turning point that will help you regain your confidence and vitality.
Just Like Any Surgical Procedure: Risks and Realities
To be honest, like any surgical procedure, gastric sleeve surgery has its risks. However, we want to emphasize a crucial point: thanks to advancements in modern medicine, technology, and experienced surgical teams, these risks are now minimal. Statistics show that the major complication rate for this surgery is around 2-4%. The mortality (death) rate, which is often the biggest fear, is even less than 0.1%. This rate is quite similar to the risks associated with common gallbladder surgery. So, when considering this procedure, you should know that the risks are very low, and you can proceed with confidence, knowing you’re in the hands of a professional team in Istanbul.
Potential Complications: A Closer Look at Early and Late Stages
The potential side effects of gastric sleeve surgery can be divided into two categories: those that occur within the first 30 days after surgery (early-stage complications) and those that may appear months or even years later (late-stage complications).
1. Early-Stage Complications: The First 30 Days
Let’s take a detailed look at the potential issues you might face in this period and the precautions we take at Forever Clinica to address them:
- Leak (Fistula): This is perhaps the most serious complication you might have heard of. It’s when there’s a leak from the staple line of your stomach. However, there’s no need to worry. An experienced surgeon, using the latest technology in stapling devices and a meticulous technique, can reduce this risk to almost zero. At Forever Clinica in Istanbul, we get you up and moving quickly after surgery (early mobilization) and perform contrast imaging to detect any potential leak early on and intervene immediately.
- Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or immediately after the surgery from the staple line or incisions. In such cases, a blood transfusion may be needed, or very rarely, a second procedure to stop the bleeding. A professional surgeon works with great precision to minimize this risk.
- Infection: An infection can develop at the surgical site, inside the abdomen, or in the lungs. To prevent this, we use prophylactic antibiotics before the surgery. We also encourage you to get up and move early after the operation and perform breathing exercises.
- Thromboembolism: Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg veins) and pulmonary embolism (when a clot travels to the lungs) are already higher risks for obese patients. We take this risk seriously and use pneumatic compression stockings on your legs during surgery, encourage early walking afterward, and use blood-thinning injections as an added precaution.
2. Late-Stage Complications: Beyond 30 Days
These complications are more related to adapting to lifestyle changes or the long-term effects of the surgery:
- Reflux: Because the stomach’s volume is reduced, some patients may experience heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is usually easily managed with dietary changes and medication. In rare cases, a revision surgery might be considered for severe, persistent cases.
- Stricture (Narrowing): During the healing process, the gastric tube can narrow, causing difficulty swallowing. However, this condition can usually be easily treated with simple methods like endoscopic balloon dilation.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Since food intake is restricted after surgery, the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals (B12, Vitamin D, Iron, Calcium, etc.) is reduced. This is an entirely preventable condition! At Forever Clinica, we make it a requirement for our patients to take regular vitamin and mineral supplements for life and to have their blood levels checked periodically. Our dietitians will create a personalized nutrition plan to ensure a healthy process.
- Inadequate Weight Loss or Weight Regain: Gastric sleeve surgery is not a standalone solution. If you don’t follow the dietary and lifestyle rules after the surgery, your stomach can stretch out, and you may regain the weight you lost. The surgery gives you an opportunity, but it’s up to you to seize it. That’s why we don’t leave you alone after the surgery; we provide comprehensive dietitian and psychologist support to help you turn this process into a lasting success.
Minimizing Risks with the Forever Clinica Difference in Istanbul
Our philosophy at Forever Clinica has always been based on the principle of “first, do no harm.” That’s why we’ve adopted a multi-layered, comprehensive approach to minimize risks.
- Multidisciplinary Pre-Evaluation: We thoroughly evaluate every patient to determine their suitability for the surgery. This process involves a team of endocrinologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, and experienced psychiatrists/psychologists who meticulously examine you.
- Experienced Surgical Team: Our surgeons are experts in their field, with thousands of successful bariatric surgical procedures under their belts.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the highest quality and latest technology surgical staplers and laparoscopic equipment to ensure your safety.
- 24/7 Post-Surgical Support: We have a medical team available 24/7 and a fully equipped intensive care unit to intervene immediately in case of any potential complication.
- Lifelong Follow-up System: The journey doesn’t end when you are discharged from our clinic in Istanbul. We aim to guarantee your long-term success with regular check-ups, dietitian consultations, and psychological support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the answers to the most common questions you might have.
Q: Why do I have to take vitamins for life after the surgery?
A: This is a vital necessity for your health. Since a large part of your stomach is removed, nutrient absorption decreases. If you don’t take regular vitamin and mineral supplements, you’re at high risk of developing serious health problems like anemia, osteoporosis, and hair loss.
Q: Is there an extra test to check for leaks?
A: Absolutely. During the surgery, we perform a “blue test” to check the integrity of the staple line. We also conduct contrast imaging after the surgery to detect any potential leaks early.
Q: What happens if I go back to my old eating habits after the surgery?
A: Gastric sleeve surgery provides you with a physical tool, but the real transformation is mental. If you return to high-calorie, sugary, and processed foods, your stomach can stretch over time, and you may regain the weight you lost. This is why our psychologist and dietitian support is so crucial; they help you permanently adopt new habits.
Q: What are some conditions that could prevent me from having surgery?
A: Uncontrolled heart disease, severe lung problems, untreated psychiatric disorders, being unable to follow post-surgical instructions, and drug or alcohol addiction are major disqualifying factors. All of these conditions are meticulously examined during our pre-evaluation process.
Q: Does the risk increase if I have a lot of weight to lose?
A: Yes, for patients with a very high BMI (e.g., above 50-55), the surgery can be technically more challenging, and the risk of complications may slightly increase. In such cases, to ensure a safer path, we sometimes recommend a two-stage surgical plan (first a sleeve, then a bypass).
Step Into Your New Life with Confidence
Sleeve Gastrectomy is a significant decision that will change your life, and like any major decision, it comes with a risk profile. At Forever Clinica, we are committed to sharing these risks with you as transparently as possible and to doing everything in our power to minimize them.
Remember, this is not an end, but the beginning of a brand-new, healthy, and happier life. Our goal is not just to help you lose weight, but to guide you through this new journey in the safest and most comfortable way possible, all here in our world-class clinic in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Wishing you healthy and hopeful days.
The Forever Clinica Family
