Q. Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Worth It?
Whether a Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) is “worth it” depends on various factors, including an individual’s unique circumstances, medical history, weight loss goals, and lifestyle.
Here are some considerations to help determine if a Gastric Sleeve may be worth considering:
Weight Loss Goals: If you have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and have a significant amount of weight to lose, a gastric sleeve may help you achieve substantial weight loss. If you have been on a roller coaster of weight gain/loss/gain/loss etc – this is something you should consider.
Health Benefits: In addition to weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery can lead to improvements or resolution of obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and joint pain.
Quality of Life: For some individuals, losing excess weight and improving health can lead to a better quality of life, increased energy levels, and improved self-esteem.
Surgical Risks: Like any surgical procedure, gastric sleeve surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. It is essential to weigh these risks against the potential benefits.
Lifestyle Changes: Gastric Sleeve surgery requires significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, to maximize weight loss and maintain long-term success. Committing to these changes is crucial for achieving optimal results.
Cost: One of the reasons you are considering having your surgery overseas is that the cost of this procedure back home is expensive and long wait times for the surgery. We offer Bangkok, Thailand and Istanbul, Turkey. We can chat with you about which option is best for you.
Psychological Considerations: It is important to consider the psychological aspects of undergoing weight loss surgery, including potential emotional challenges, adjustments to body image, and the need for ongoing support.
Long-Term Outcomes: While many individuals experience significant weight loss and health improvements following gastric sleeve surgery, long-term success depends on adherence to lifestyle changes and follow-up care.
Ultimately, whether a Gastric Sleeve is “worth it” is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with our highly trained surgeons, who can provide guidance based on your individual health needs and goals. It is essential to thoroughly research the procedure, understand its potential benefits and risks, and consider your readiness to commit to the necessary lifestyle changes before deciding. Medi Makeovers will ensure that when you book your surgery date, you will have all the information to make that decision.
Q. What does the pre and post-surgery diet look like?
Both pre-operative and post-operative diets are crucial components of gastric sleeve surgery to ensure successful outcomes.
Here is an overview of the typical pre-operative and post-operative dietary guidelines for Gastric Sleeve surgery:
Pre-operative Diet:
Weight Loss Preparation: Our surgeons recommend that patients follow a pre-operative diet to reduce the size of the liver and facilitate easier access to the stomach during surgery. This diet typically involves consuming a low-calorie, high-protein diet for a specific period leading up to the surgery. The duration of this pre-operative diet can vary but may range from one to several weeks. You will be advised of this time frame for this diet individually.
High-Protein, Low-Calorie Foods: The pre-operative diet usually focuses on lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, and protein shakes. Carbohydrate intake may be limited, and patients are advised to avoid high-calorie, high-fat foods.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential during the pre-operative period. Patients are typically encouraged to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary beverages and alcohol.
Vitamins and Supplements: Our surgeons may recommend that patients take specific vitamins and supplements during the pre-operative period to ensure optimal nutritional status.
Post-operative Diet:
Clear Liquid Diet: Immediately after surgery, patients are typically placed on a clear liquid diet, which includes water, broth, clear fruit juices, and sugar-free gelatine. This diet helps to prevent dehydration and allows the stomach to heal gradually.
Progression to Full Liquids and Pureed Foods: Over the next few weeks, patients gradually advance to full liquids and pureed foods. This may include protein shakes, strained soups, yogurt, and pureed fruits and vegetables. It is essential to focus on consuming high-protein foods to support healing and promote satiety.
Transition to Soft Foods: After a few weeks, patients can start incorporating soft, easy-to-digest foods into their diet, such as cooked vegetables, soft fruits, ground meats, and well-cooked grains.
Gradual Introduction of Solid Foods: Eventually, patients can begin to reintroduce solid foods into their diet, starting with small portions of soft, easily chewable foods and gradually progressing to firmer textures.
Portion Control and Nutrient Density: Throughout the post-operative period, patients are encouraged to focus on portion control and nutrient-dense foods to support weight loss and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
It is important for patients to closely follow our surgeon’s specific dietary guidelines and recommendations both before and after gastric sleeve surgery to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize the risk of complications. Additionally, our team will be keeping in touch with you about your progress and will help you navigate the following 12 months and our surgeons and team are available for you at any time.
Q. How much weight do you lose with Gastric Sleeve surgery?
The amount of weight lost with Gastric Sleeve surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) can vary from person to person and depends on various factors, including starting weight, adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes, overall health, and individual metabolism. However, on average, patients can expect to lose a significant amount of weight following gastric sleeve surgery.
Studies have shown that patients typically lose about 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first 1-2 years after gastric sleeve surgery. Excess weight is defined as the amount of weight above a person’s ideal body weight, which is calculated based on factors such as height, age, and gender.
For example, if a person is 50 kilos above their ideal body weight, they might expect to lose approximately 30-40 kilos within the first 1-2 years after surgery. However, it is important to note that individual weight loss outcomes can vary, and some patients may lose more or less weight than average.
In addition to weight loss, Gastric Sleeve surgery can lead to improvements in obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and joint pain. These improvements in overall health are an essential aspect of the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery beyond just weight loss.
Q. What does my recovery look like post-surgery whilst in Turkey or Thailand?
The recovery process following gastric sleeve surgery typically involves several phases, each with its own set of guidelines and recommendations.
Here is an overview of what to expect during the recovery period:
Firstly, you will arrive the night/day before your surgery date, you will be admitted to your hospital ward and pre-op tests will be done.
The medical staff will inform you of all the process and when your surgery will take place, you will also see the surgeon during this time.
Immediate Post-Operative Period (Hospital Stay):
Recovery Room: After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where medical staff will monitor your vital signs and ensure you are stable.
Pain Management: You may experience pain or discomfort following surgery, which will be managed with pain medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Fluid Intake: Initially, you will be restricted to sipping clear liquids to prevent dehydration and allow your stomach to heal.
Monitoring: Medical staff will monitor your condition closely, checking for any signs of complications such as bleeding or infection.
First Few Days After Surgery (still in the hospital) :
Transition to Clear Liquids: As you tolerate clear liquids well, you will gradually progress to consuming larger quantities and more variety of clear fluids.
Mobility: You will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible to prevent blood clots and promote circulation.
Incision Care: Care for your surgical incisions as directed by your healthcare provider to prevent infection and promote healing.
Follow-Up Appointments: You will have a follow-up appointment scheduled before leaving the hospital to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Our surgeon will have a final appointment just before you fly home to ensure you are fit to fly.
Following Days at our Gorgeous 5-star Hotel
You can relax and rest in absolute comfort for the final days of your stay.
You will be more mobile and can walk around, but this is not a normal sightseeing holiday, so you must listen to your body and rest when needed.
The medical staff will advise you what you can eat whilst at the hotel and Medi Makeovers will also give you a list of foods/drinks you can eat at this stage.
Our staff are here for you.
All transfers are included so you do not have to worry about anything – Medi Makeovers will take care of it all for you and all you must do is rest and recover. This is a great time for pampering – massages, pedicures, manicures, etc
It is important for individuals considering Gastric Sleeve surgery to have realistic expectations and to understand that surgery is a tool to aid weight loss but still requires significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, to achieve and maintain long-term success. Additionally, we offer ongoing support from our team and adherence to follow-up requirements is essential for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns throughout the weight loss journey.
How do I find out more or book the surgery?
To inquire about scheduling an appointment, you can typically follow these steps:
Contact Us Now: You can jump on to our website and complete our surgery medical form CLICK HERE
Phone Call or Text: Call us or text us at 0416109417 (+61 416109416 Whatsapp)
Let us know that you’re interested in scheduling an appointment and provide the following – your name, contact information, reason for the appointment, and availability.
Website: Visit our website www.medimakeovers.com or go straight to our page for more information about our Weight Loss Surgery Option CLICK HERE
Email: Please email us directly at enquiries@medimakeovers.com or team@medimakeovers.com with your name, phone number, email address, and your request.
Confirmation: Once we have received your information, we will be in touch to take you to the next steps!
