Its possible for gastric sleeves to fail, usually due to a number of different factors. Following your bariatric surgeons instructions is the best way to prevent gastric sleeve failure.

The Keto diet can be an effective option for some patients, but you should always consult your bariatric team on the best dietary plan for your health.

Its best to avoid alcohol after a bariatric procedure, especially in the first six months. Make sure to avoid alcohol high in added sugars or mixers, as well as carbonated alcohols. Its important to practice moderation since even small amounts of alcohol can cause intoxication after a bariatric procedure.

You should avoid reintroducing caffeinated drinks into your diet for at least one month after surgery. Your bariatric surgeon can give you the best estimation of when you can resume drinking coffee after a gastric sleeve.

A gastric sleeve requires you to make healthy changes in order to get the best results out of your procedure. Your bariatric surgeon can help you determine whether these changes are achievable for you and your lifestyle habits.

A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can be performed using a laparoscope, or a small instrument with a live feed camera attached. Using this, Dr. Balsama can observe the procedure on a screen and perform it using small instruments and incisions, rather than an open incision which can come with some additional risks of complication. The procedure entails reducing the size of the stomach itself by sectioning off and removing about 80% of the stomach. The remaining area of the stomach is about the size of a banana and can still function as normal, only in a smaller capacity. Since this procedure doesn’t bypass the small intestines, there’s no affect on your ability to absorb nutrients.

During laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Dr. Balsama will make several small incisions in the abdomen, allowing access to the stomach. Long instruments will then be placed through the incisions, using a laparoscope that acts as a video camera to guide and remove a section of the stomach. Only the stomach is affected, and the intestines are not removed or bypassed.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy works by restricting the size of the stomach so that less food can fit. Patients will feel fuller sooner and for a longer period of time, resulting in dramatic weight loss. By reducing the size of the stomach, fewer “hunger hormones” are produced, contributing to weight loss. The intestines are completely left intact, so the procedure should not cause a decrease in the absorption of nutrients.

A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure is irreversible, meaning results are permanent. Once a large portion of the stomach is removed, it cannot be replaced. The decision to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can lead to life-changing health benefits, making the procedure worth it for many patients. Dr. Balsama will meet with you to ensure that the procedure is right for you.

You will see some immediate results, but most of the results will occur in the coming months following the procedure.

Following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, patients typically lose about 25-35% of their total weight, or up to 70% of their excess weight. To calculate your excess weight, simply determine the difference between your current weight and your ideal healthy weight. 

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is non-reversible, meaning that the digestive system is permanently changed to restrict the amount of food that the stomach can hold. This means that results are long-lasting and, by following a healthy lifestyle long-term, can be lifelong. 

Immediately after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, you will require 2-3 weeks of downtime and should avoid strenuous exercise for about 4-6 weeks according to Dr. Balsama’s directions. After recovery, the stomach will have a reduced capacity, limiting the amount of food you can eat, but satiety will improve and your appetite will be reduced as well. 

After a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, it’s best to avoid sugar and fat, such as high-fat dairy, foods that are difficult to digest, like fibrous vegetables or steak, and high-carb foods like pasta or potatoes. Dr. Balsama will explain which foods should be avoided in further detail. 

It is best to not consume carbonated drinks, as it will fill your smaller stomach with gas and can lead to intense gastrointestinal distress.

During the recovery period, you should watch for potential complications like excessive or continuous bleeding, signs of infection, stomach leak, or blood clots. These issues are rare, and some redness, soreness (especially when twisting or turning), or sore throat symptoms are all normal. Dr. Balsama will explain what you can expect and what symptoms you should watch for that would pose a concern. 

Once you reach a healthy, stable weight, it’s important to continue exercising regularly to maintain your health. Most doctors recommend at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week to maintain health. 

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy reduces the amount of food your stomach can hold without impacting nutrient absorption. Gastric bypass causes a loss of part of the small intestine, which does impact the absorption of nutrients and requires patients to take supplements. 

Following your laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, you can expect to stay in the hospital for about 24-48 hours on average. 

Some of the disadvantages of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy include that the procedure is irreversible, and may not be as effective as other bariatric surgeries as the body is still able to process high-fat and high-carb foods.

Dr. Balsama recommends patients sleep slightly elevated and on their backs for a few weeks after surgery to protect the incision site. He will let you know what your specific instructions for your surgery during a consultation and follow-up appointments.

Generally, yes. People typically experience a loss of natural appetite after sleeve gastrectomy, as your body and brain adapt to the new normal. Following Dr. Balsama’s dietary guidelines for recovery will ensure you introduce a healthy, steady appetite back into your lifestyle.

After bariatric surgery, it’s important to follow Dr. Balsama’s diet and exercise instructions to help your body burn excess fat through its natural process. You’ll shed the excess weight gradually over the course of several months or years.

If your BMI (body mass index) is over 40 and you are over the age of 18, you may be a candidate for a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or other bariatric surgery.

Your metabolism can decrease after a gastric sleeve procedure, meaning you may need fewer calories than before.

A gastric sleeve procedure can change your energy levels, meaning you should make sure to take steps to stay hydrated and get regular exercise. If you experience serious changes in energy that dont go away with these steps, make sure to talk with your bariatric surgeon.

You should aim for at least 64 ounces of water or clear liquids every day, but this can vary based on your body. Make sure to sip water slowly throughout the day to avoid overfilling your stomach.

Some patients experience back pain after gastric procedures because of the weight loss process. Your bariatric surgeon can help you manage any pain and discomfort appropriately.

There are a number of reasons that gastric sleeves can leak, including techniques and materials used during surgery. Your bariatric surgeon can discuss the risks during your consultation.