Vertical gastrectomy, also called sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of bariatric surgery that is done in the treatment of morbid obesity and consists of the removal of the left part of the stomach, which can lead to the loss of up to 40% of the initial weight.
This surgery is indicated for people with a BMI greater than 40 kg / m², patients with a BMI of 35 kg / m² and suffering from heart disease, respiratory problems or decompensated diabetes, and in patients who are very young or older than 65 years, for example .
The total gastrectomy, which consists of removing the entire stomach and partial gastrectomy, which is the removal of the lower half of the stomach, are not surgeries indicated to lose weight, and are usually performed in the treatment of stomach cancer or the presence of ulcers, for example.
Price of vertical gastrectomy for weight loss
The value of vertical gastrectomy costs, on average, 25, 000 reais and can be done in private clinics or, in some cases, in the SUS for free, when the patient is at risk of developing serious health problems due to being overweight.
How vertical gastrectomy is done for weight loss
The vertical slimming gastrectomy is a general anesthesia surgery that lasts an average of 2 hours and can be admitted to the hospital for 3 days.
Usually, this surgery is performed by videolaparoscopy, since some holes are made in the abdomen, where tubes and instruments are inserted to make small cuts in the stomach.
The vertical gastrectomy for weight loss consists of:
- Removal of part of the stomach: the surgeon makes a vertical cut, cutting the left part of the stomach in the form of a tube or mandible, similar to a banana. It is removed up to 85% of the organ, making it smaller and causing the person to eat less. The part that is removed is inside the body of the person but has no function;
- Removal of ghrelin: it is a hormone responsible for the sensation of hunger and, therefore, leads to a decrease in appetite and a decrease in food intake.
This technique has a double effect, since in addition to restricting the amount of food ingested each time, leads to the reduction of hunger in the meal intervals.
Risks of vertical gastrectomy for weight loss
Vertical gastrectomy for weight loss can cause nausea, vomiting and heartburn. However, the most serious complications of this surgery are a fistula, which is an abnormal connection between the stomach and the abdominal cavity, which can increase the chances of infection, or hemorrhage in the scar area of the stomach. surgery may be necessary.
In addition, this bariatric surgery has as main disadvantage can not be reversed since the stomach has been cut.
Advantages of vertical gastrectomy for weight loss
The main advantages of this bariatric surgery include:
- Intake between 50 and 150 ml of food, instead of 1 L, which was the usual, before surgery;
- Greater weight loss than that achieved with the adjustable gastric band, without requiring band adjustments;
- Transform gastrectomy into gastric bypass, if necessary;
- The intestine does not change, occurring the normal absorption of nutrients;
In addition, it is a technically simpler surgery than gastric bypass, allowing weight loss over several years.
Recovery after vertical gastrectomy for weight loss
After vertical gastrectomy, recovery from surgery may take from 6 months to 1 year, with weight loss being gradual and there being a need to make changes in the patient's lifestyle.
Thus, the patient who underwent gastrectomy to lose weight should:
- Follow the diet indicated by the nutritionist. Learn more at: Food after Bariatric Surgery.
- Take antiemetic like Omeprazole before meals to protect the stomach as directed by a doctor;
- Take oral painkillers, such as Paracetamol or Tramadol, as directed by your doctor, if you have pain;
- Begin physical activity practice at the end of 15 days after surgery;
- Do the dressing at the health clinic one week after the surgery.
All of these care needs to be adhered to so that recovery is less painful and faster.
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