
Gastric Sleeve
Preoperative Phase with Dr. Mehmet Altan Kaya
Consultation and Evaluation:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Dr. Kaya assesses the patient’s overall health, previous medical history, especially any gastrointestinal issues, and weight loss history.
- Discussion of Weight Loss Goals: The patient’s objectives, expectations, and commitment to a post-surgery lifestyle change are discussed.
- Nutritional and Psychological Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery and prepared for the postoperative lifestyle.
Preoperative Tests:
- Routine blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, and possibly gastrointestinal evaluations like an endoscopy.
- Nutritional blood tests to check for any deficiencies.
Patient Education:
- Dr. Kaya educates the patient about the procedure, potential risks, and the importance of postoperative diet and lifestyle changes.
Surgical Procedure by Dr. Mehmet Altan Kaya
Anesthesia:
- Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Making the Incisions:
- The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, involving several small incisions in the abdomen.
Creating the Sleeve:
- Approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow gastric “sleeve” shaped like a banana.
- The new, smaller stomach limits food intake and decreases the appetite-regulating hormone ghrelin.
Closing the Incisions:
- The incisions are closed with sutures or staples.
Postoperative Care by Dr. Mehmet Altan Kaya's Team
Immediate Recovery:
- The patient is monitored in a recovery area. Initial postoperative instructions are provided, including pain management and mobilization.
Hospital Stay:
- The typical hospital stay is 1-2 days to ensure the patient’s safe recovery and adequate pain control.
Diet Progression:
- The postoperative diet begins with liquids, then progresses to pureed foods, and eventually to solid foods over several weeks.
Follow-up Visits:
- Regular appointments with Dr. Kaya to monitor weight loss, dietary adherence, and general health.
Long-Term Care:
- Ongoing nutritional counseling and support groups.
- Regular monitoring of vitamin and mineral levels and supplementation as needed.
Key Considerations
- Patient Selection: Suitable for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 and above with obesity-related health conditions.
- Recovery Time: Recovery varies but typically involves several weeks of gradual return to normal activities.
- Risks and Safety: Dr. Kaya discusses potential risks such as leaks from the staple line, nutritional deficiencies, and the need for a lifelong commitment to dietary changes.
Dr. Kaya ensures that patients undergoing gastric sleeve surgery receive comprehensive care, from thorough preoperative preparation to dedicated postoperative follow-up, focusing on safe and effective weight loss and improved overall health.
