Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common weight-loss surgeries worldwide due to its high effectiveness and safety. However, like any surgical procedure, it comes with potential risks and side effects, such as indigestion and heartburn, which can be managed with medications and adherence to the doctor’s instructions.
Understanding the potential side effects of sleeve gastrectomy is crucial before undergoing the procedure. Here’s an overview of the risks associated with sleeve gastrectomy:
Short-Term Risks These are side effects that may occur days, weeks, or months after the surgery:
- Indigestion.
- Heartburn.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia.
- Blood clots.
- Breathing problems.
- Leakage from the surgical site in the stomach.
- Skin sagging in the abdominal area after significant weight loss.
Long-Term Risks These are side effects that might appear months or years after the surgery. Fortunately, most of these can be managed effectively when they occur:
- Nutrient Deficiency: The surgery can affect the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients like vitamins and minerals. This can be managed by adjusting your diet or taking supplements as directed by your doctor.
- Persistent Digestive Symptoms: Such as nausea, vomiting, and difficulty eating, often due to scar tissue formation in the stomach which causes narrowing and slows the natural movement of food through the digestive system.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Managed with medication and adherence to dietary guidelines.
- Gallstones: Increased fat flow to the liver can lead to gallstone formation in the gallbladder. This may require a separate surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder.
- Weight Regain: About 10-20% of individuals may regain some of the lost weight within 1-2 years if they do not adhere to the recommended diet and lifestyle changes.
Other Possible Risks
- Low blood sugar.
- Hernias.
- Vomiting.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Intestinal obstruction.
How to Minimize Risks of Sleeve Gastrectomy Follow these pre- and post-operative guidelines to reduce potential risks:
Before the Surgery
- Follow a prescribed diet to lose weight prior to the surgery.
- Quit smoking.
- Prepare thoroughly for the surgery and follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your doctor.
- Discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor, including blood thinners, as you may need to stop some before the surgery.
After the Surgery
- Engage in the physical exercises recommended by your doctor.
- Continue with breathing exercises advised by your doctor to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Limit sugar and fatty foods.
- Quit smoking if you are a smoker.
When to See a Doctor Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms post-surgery:
- Fever.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Swelling and redness in the legs.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Persistent pain not relieved by painkillers.
- Continuous vomiting lasting more than 12 hours.
Before considering sleeve gastrectomy, you should undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation by a specialized bariatric surgeon to determine the most suitable option for you. Feel free to schedule an appointment in the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Department at Saudi Hospital, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and the expertise of top surgeons for safe weight-loss surgery.
References
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery
- Gastric Sleeve – Bariatric Surgery | UCLA Health
- Sleeve gastrectomy – Mayo Clinic
- Complications associated with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity: a surgeon’s guide – PMC
- Complications associated with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy – a review – PMC
