Is a Gastric Sleeve Reversible?
Is a gastric sleeve reversible? let’s discover together , gastric sleeve surgery is an effective weight loss method that is widely preferred especially in the treatment of morbid obesity. This surgery is performed by surgically removing approximately 75-80% of the person’s stomach, leaving a thin, tubular stomach. In this way, the stomach capacity is reduced, allowing the person to feel full with less food.
However, the question of whether gastric sleeve surgery is reversible is an issue that puzzles many people considering this surgical intervention. The answer to this question depends on the nature of the surgery and whether it leads to permanent changes in the body.
In this blog post, we will discuss whether gastric sleeve surgery is reversible, how it is performed, its results and the advantages it provides in the weight loss process.
Is a Gastric Sleeve Reversible?
To give a short and clear answer to this question, sleeve gastrectomy is irreversible. In this surgery, a significant part of the stomach is permanently removed and taken outside the body. This means that once the stomach tissue is removed, it is not possible to replace it again.
Since the surgically removed stomach tissue cannot be brought back, it would be correct to classify this surgery as an “irreversible” procedure.
However, an important point here is that gastric sleeve surgery changes the anatomy less compared to some other weight loss surgeries. For example, in gastric bypass surgery, part of the intestines are also altered, creating a much more complex and irreversible situation. In sleeve gastrectomy, only the volume of the stomach is reduced and the digestive system functions are largely preserved. This makes sleeve gastrectomy less invasive and closer to the natural digestive process.
What Changes After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery leads to some permanent changes in the body as it permanently removes a large part of the stomach. These changes are important factors that support weight loss and help the person adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Small Stomach Capacity:
After surgery, the stomach capacity is significantly reduced. This causes you to eat less food and feel full faster. With a smaller stomach, a person also needs to control the amount of food eaten and avoid overeating.
Reduced Appetite:
As the stomach shrinks, the production of the hormone ghrelin also decreases. This hormone is a hormone that stimulates the feeling of hunger, and the decrease in its production after sleeve gastrectomy makes the person feel less hungry. This offers a great advantage in the weight loss process.
Nutrient Absorption Does Not Change:
In sleeve gastrectomy surgery, no changes are made to the intestines, which means that the digestive system continues to function normally. In other words, the body continues to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in food. In this way, the postoperative diet can be managed more easily.
Weight Loss Process:
Sleeve gastrectomy is a method designed to promote weight loss. In this process, the person is expected to consume fewer calories and thus lose weight. Weight loss is highest in the first 12-18 months after surgery and it is important that the person establishes a healthy diet and exercise routine during this period.
Why is the Irreversibility an Advantage?
Although the fact that sleeve gastrectomy is permanent may seem like a disadvantage for some people, this permanence actually has many advantages in the long run. The irreversibility of this surgery ensures that the weight loss process is taken seriously and encourages individuals to develop healthy habits.
Long Term Weight Control:
The permanent nature of the surgery helps to discipline the individual in terms of nutrition and exercise. By offering a permanent solution, it supports long-term weight management instead of short-term solutions.
Lifestyle Changes:
Individuals who undergo sleeve gastrectomy are expected to adopt a healthy lifestyle after surgery. The new lifestyle includes regular exercise, a balanced diet and healthy habits such as stress management. These changes are critical for one’s long-term health.
Alternative Options After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
In some cases, irreversibility of the surgery may require new surgical interventions or weight loss procedures. If the person cannot lose enough weight or if weight regain occurs over time, some additional treatment options may be considered.
Revision Surgery:
In some cases, revision surgery may be performed when the desired weight loss is not achieved or weight gain occurs after sleeve gastrectomy. This surgery is performed to restart or accelerate the person’s weight loss process. Usually, this procedure is performed with a more invasive surgical method such as gastric bypass.
Gastric Balloon Application:
If weight loss has slowed down after gastric sleeve surgery, temporary weight loss aids such as a gastric balloon can be used. This method temporarily reduces the capacity of the stomach, allowing the person to eat less and promoting weight loss.
What to Consider Before Deciding on Gastric Sleeve Surgery
As sleeve gastrectomy is an irreversible procedure, there are many factors that need to be carefully considered before making a decision. It is important to consider the long-term effects of the surgery, the necessity of lifestyle changes and the responsibilities involved in the weight loss process.
Understanding that the surgery is permanent:
Gastric sleeve surgery is irreversible. Therefore, it is important to fully understand the preoperative process and postoperative lifestyle changes.
Psychological Preparation:
This type of surgery requires not only physical but also psychological preparation. The weight loss process takes time and requires patience, motivation and discipline.
Nutrition and Exercise:
Postoperative diet and exercise habits are of great importance. These factors are critical to support weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion: Is a Gastric Sleeve Reversible?
As a result, gastric sleeve surgery is an irreversible method of weight loss. This surgical intervention involves the permanent removal of a large part of the stomach and therefore, once performed, it is not possible to restore the stomach.
However, this permanence offers a great advantage in terms of long-term weight loss and adopting a healthy lifestyle. People who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy should support this process by making permanent changes in their lifestyle.
