Obesity has become an ever-increasing issue in the modern world. With the easy availability of junk food and the fast-paced lifestyles of people, regularly taking the time out to prepare and eat a healthy meal has become borderline impossible. Furthermore, obesity increases one’s chances of developing serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes. It also greatly reduces one’s quality of life by hindering their mobility and causing them to suffer from asthma. Getting a bariatric surgery is an effective way to reduce weight for those who can’t see any results with diet and exercise alone. Stay with us as we share a 100-pound weight loss journey with bariatric surgery.
⚕️ Background of the Patient
Our female patient had the issue of obesity, which was greatly affecting her health and quality of life. Her previous weight loss attempts proved ineffective, which is why she opted for the gastric sleeve surgery.
Let’s look at the risks obesity poses to one’s health:
Negative Effects of Obesity on Health
Obesity causes the following health issues:
- Since obesity involves the excess accumulation of fat in the body, this fat also ends up in the liver, which can cause inflammation in liver cells. This can lead to them getting damaged. Furthermore, it puts one at risk of liver failure as well.
- All the extra weight caused by obesity only increases the pressure on the knees, resulting in joint disease.
- The large amount of fat accumulated in the body affects the spine and leads to bad posture.
- Other serious health conditions caused by obesity include diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, etc.
🩺 Choosing Bariatric Surgery
The patient chose the Gastric Sleeve (a bariatric surgery) because this procedure has been proven to be effective in aiding in significant weight loss in the first two years post-surgery.
This weight loss surgery also has long-term benefits such as enhanced mobility, an increase in energy, and reduced pain and discomfort in the joints.
Consultation & Assessment Before the Surgery
At the Estherian Clinic, our surgeons carry out an in-depth consultation and a detailed review of the patient’s health condition to create their surgical plan. It all starts with a health screening, including blood tests, X-rays, etc.
In the case of this particular patient, an investigation of their current medical conditions was carried out, and a dietitian was consulted to design an effective diet plan for after the surgery.
To add to this, the patient is usually also given instructions to help them prepare for their surgery. This also includes instructing the patient on stopping smoking about 4 weeks before the surgery.
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Selected Surgery: Gastric Sleeve
The patient selected the Gastric Sleeve Surgery. Often called a sleeve gastrectomy, the gastric sleeve surgery involves the reduction of the size of the stomach. The surgeon eliminates a significant part of the stomach to make it smaller. This then curbs hunger and also reduces the patient’s calorie intake. The term “sleeve” has been used in the name since the reduced size of the stomach makes it look sleeve-like.
The lower calorie intake caused by this bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss.
🔔 Having realistic expectations is crucial when undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. This is so patients can be motivated to follow the required lifestyle changes after their bariatric surgery to prevent them from regaining the weight in the long run.
💉 🔪 The Procedure and Immediate Recovery
The patient is admitted a few hours before the surgery. At the Estherian Clinic, we have a massive team of various health experts to provide premium-quality care to patients.
Furthermore, the doctor instructs the patient not to have anything to drink or eat at least six hours before the surgery begins.
The doctor will prescribe pain medication after the surgery to help the patient with any pain and discomfort.
First 2 Weeks Post-op
The patient will have to stay in the hospital for the first two days following the surgery. The initial two weeks will require the patient to follow a liquid diet. This will allow them to take it easy on their body and ensure there is no stress on the staple lines. Furthermore, it should be ensured that the patient stays hydrated. The first week should involve the consumption of clear liquids like broth. On the other hand, the patient can move on to blended foods such as protein shakes in the second week.
🏥 The Weight Loss Journey – Month by Month
Here is the post-surgery weight loss timeline:
First Month
The first month after surgery consists of rapid weight loss, almost 5 pounds every week. This is mostly caused by the patient being limited to a liquid and pureed diet.
3 Months Post Surgery
During this period, the body has mostly healed from the surgery. This means better mobility and more exercise. Furthermore, the patient is no longer on a liquid diet. At this point, the patient may lose about 35% of excess weight.
6 Months Post Surgery
This is when the weight loss isn’t as rapid as it was in the months immediately following the gastric sleeve surgery. The amount of excess weight lost by this point is about 45% to 55%.
One-Year Post-Gastric Sleeve
Patients typically lose about 65% to 75% of their excess body weight by this point. The patient may experience improvements in health conditions such as high blood pressure and joint pain.
Our patient was able to reach her goal weight and has had about a 100-pound weight loss as a result of the Bariatric surgery (Gastric Sleeve) she underwent with our surgeons. This weight loss had an overall positive impact on her mental health as well as her energy levels.
⏲️ Long-Term Results and Life After Surgery
To get long-term results, maintaining weight loss after surgery is essential. Following a healthy diet will play a major part in this. A diet with plenty of fibre and nutrition-filled food can help. Avoid fatty and unhealthy foods.
Loose Skin After Weight Loss
The large amounts of weight lost after the Gastric Sleeve Surgery can result in a lot of loose skin. There might be a need for skin tightening after this weight loss surgery. Procedures such as the tummy tuck, breast lift, arm lift, etc, can offer some post-weight loss loose skin removal and help contour the body.
Want to book an appointment to know more about Bariatric Surgery with the Estherian Clinic? Contact us today!
