Gastric sleeve surgery is a widely performed weight-loss procedure that alters the stomach’s structure to aid in significant weight reduction. This article explores the visual aspects of this surgery, both internally and externally. Understanding these changes can provide a clearer picture of the surgical outcomes and the transformation individuals undergo.
The Reshaped Stomach
Internally, gastric sleeve surgery fundamentally reshapes the stomach. The original J-shaped stomach is transformed into a smaller, tubular structure, often described as resembling a banana or a sleeve. Approximately 75% to 80% of the stomach is surgically removed, including the fundus, the upper part responsible for producing ghrelin, a hunger-stimulating hormone.
The remaining narrow, vertical tube significantly reduces stomach capacity. This smaller volume means individuals feel full after consuming much less food. The removal of the ghrelin-producing area also helps decrease appetite, which is central to the procedure’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss.
Body Transformation After Surgery
After gastric sleeve surgery, individuals typically experience substantial external visual changes due to significant weight loss. Patients can expect to lose a considerable amount of their excess weight, often ranging from 50% to 70% within one to two years.
The body undergoes a comprehensive transformation, often resulting in a more defined waistline and reduced fat deposits across various areas. Facial features may become more contoured, reflecting the overall decrease in body mass. A common visual outcome of this rapid and significant weight loss is the presence of excess skin. This loose skin can appear in areas such as the abdomen, arms, thighs, and breasts, as the skin’s elasticity may not fully retract after being stretched by excess weight.
Understanding Surgical Incisions
Gastric sleeve surgery is typically performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique, which involves small incisions rather than a large single cut. Surgeons usually make three to five small incisions on the abdomen, each often ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6 inches) in length. These small openings allow for the insertion of surgical instruments and a camera to guide the procedure.
The incisions are commonly located around the belly button and in the upper abdominal area, though their exact placement can vary depending on the surgeon’s technique and the patient’s anatomy. Initially, these sites may show some bruising and swelling. Over time, as they heal, the incisions typically fade into small, white lines or dots, becoming less noticeable than scars from traditional open surgery.