Gastric Sleeve
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
The gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular bariatric surgery option designed to help individuals achieve significant weight loss. This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, usually around 70-80%, leaving behind a tube-shaped “sleeve” that limits food intake and reduces hunger. By restricting the stomach’s capacity, the gastric sleeve promotes weight loss by encouraging portion control and reducing the body’s hunger hormone production, primarily ghrelin, which is responsible for stimulating appetite. Over time, this reduction in stomach size leads to sustainable weight loss for many patients who adhere to lifestyle changes post-surgery.
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically, a minimally invasive technique that involves small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon inserts a tiny camera and surgical instruments through these incisions to remove part of the stomach. This laparoscopic approach offers numerous advantages, such as reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to open surgeries. Typically, gastric sleeve surgery takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the patient’s health condition and the complexity of the case.
As a permanent procedure, the gastric sleeve is irreversible. Once a portion of the stomach is removed, it cannot be restored. Therefore, this decision requires careful consideration and thorough understanding of the lifestyle changes that will be necessary after surgery. While the gastric sleeve is a highly effective weight-loss tool, it is most successful when combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and ongoing medical supervision.
Procedure Duration
The duration of a gastric sleeve procedure includes not only the surgical time but also pre-operative and post-operative phases. Before the surgery, patients generally undergo a series of evaluations and consultations to determine their readiness for the procedure. This may involve physical examinations, psychological assessments, and nutritional counseling. In total, this preparation phase can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the patient’s health and the healthcare provider’s recommendations.
The surgery itself typically takes 1-2 hours. Patients undergo general anesthesia, and most are required to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days post-surgery to monitor for any immediate complications and to begin the initial stages of recovery. During the hospital stay, medical professionals closely observe the patient’s vital signs, manage pain, and provide guidelines on starting a liquid diet. A smooth hospital stay generally allows patients to return home sooner and continue their recovery.
Full recovery from gastric sleeve surgery varies from person to person, but many patients can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks. The initial recovery phase includes a gradual progression from liquid to solid foods over the course of several weeks. Patients also receive ongoing dietary guidance to help them transition to a long-term healthy eating plan that supports weight loss and prevents complications. Long-term success depends on adherence to a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and follow-up medical appointments.
Benefits
- Significant Weight Loss: The gastric sleeve offers effective weight loss for many patients, with most individuals losing about 60-70% of their excess weight within the first year post-surgery.
- Improved Health Conditions: The procedure can lead to improvement or resolution of weight-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
- Reduced Hunger: By removing the part of the stomach responsible for producing ghrelin, the procedure helps reduce appetite, making it easier for patients to control food intake.
- Minimally Invasive: Performed laparoscopically, gastric sleeve surgery involves small incisions, resulting in less pain, fewer scars, and a quicker recovery time compared to open surgeries.
- Improved Quality of Life: Many patients experience increased mobility, enhanced self-esteem, and a better overall quality of life as they achieve sustainable weight loss.
Potential Destinations
- Mexico
Mexico is a leading destination for gastric sleeve surgery due to its high-quality medical facilities, experienced bariatric surgeons, and affordability. Proximity to the U.S. and Canada makes it a convenient choice for North American patients.\
- Turkey
Known for its advanced healthcare infrastructure, Turkey offers competitive pricing and quality standards. Turkish hospitals and clinics are equipped with modern facilities, making it an attractive destination for medical tourists seeking safe and effective gastric sleeve surgery.
- India
India’s reputation for affordable healthcare and skilled surgeons makes it a popular choice for gastric sleeve surgery. Patients benefit from English-speaking medical staff and facilities accredited by international bodies, ensuring quality and safety.
- Thailand
Thailand combines quality healthcare with a unique cultural experience. The country’s healthcare providers are experienced in catering to international patients, and its hospitals often offer packages that include accommodation and transportation.
- Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its emphasis on patient care and affordability, making it an excellent option for North Americans. The country offers skilled surgeons and modern healthcare facilities, often at a fraction of the cost found in the U.S.
Risks & Considerations
- Surgical Complications: As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques help reduce these risks but do not eliminate them entirely.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Due to the reduced stomach size, patients may struggle to meet nutritional needs, leading to potential deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Lifelong supplementation and monitoring are often necessary.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Some patients experience acid reflux, nausea, or other gastrointestinal problems post-surgery, which may require dietary adjustments or additional medical treatments.
- Mental Health Considerations: The psychological impact of rapid weight loss and lifestyle changes can be significant. Patients may benefit from counseling or support groups to help adjust to their new eating habits and body image.
- Irreversibility: Unlike other bariatric procedures such as gastric banding, the gastric sleeve is permanent. Patients should be fully committed to the long-term lifestyle changes required for maintaining their results.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
Choosing a qualified doctor and reputable hospital is essential for the success of a gastric sleeve procedure. Start by researching surgeons who specialize in bariatric surgery, have completed extensive training, and hold relevant certifications or accreditations from recognized medical bodies. Verify their experience with the gastric sleeve procedure specifically, as expertise in this area can significantly impact the quality of the outcome.
When selecting a hospital, look for facilities that follow international standards of safety and hygiene, ideally accredited by a reputable healthcare accreditation body. The hospital should also have a dedicated bariatric team that provides comprehensive pre- and post-operative support, including dietitians, physical therapists, and counselors. Opting for a healthcare provider that offers a multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the patient’s care are managed efficiently, enhancing the likelihood of a smooth recovery and successful weight loss journey.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
