Gastric sleeve surgery is a surgical option for weight loss and the treatment of certain metabolic diseases, though behavioral methods also exist to help curb appetite.
Is it possible to shrink the stomach naturally?
The stomach consists of muscular tissues that expand during eating and contract after digestion; therefore, permanently changing its biological size is not possible through exercise or food restriction. However, the body’s satiety response can be improved and food intake reduced through:
- Meal regulation: Dividing food into five small meals per day (3 main and 2 snacks) to accustom the stomach to feeling full with smaller amounts.
- Changing eating habits: Chewing food slowly, as the brain needs 20 to 30 minutes to send satiety signals.
- Drinking fluids: Consuming water half an hour before meals or between meals to increase the feeling of fullness.
- Lifestyle: Practicing sports such as walking and swimming to burn calories, and getting enough sleep to regulate appetite hormones.
- Diet: Focusing on proteins for breakfast, choosing vegetables and fruits, and consuming healthy fats like avocado.
Candidates for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Surgical intervention is recommended in the following cases:
- Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
- Those with a BMI of 30 who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, blood clots, or sleep apnea.
- Patients with severe, unbalanced diabetes, even if the BMI is not very high, as the surgery aims to treat the metabolic disease.
The Gastric Sleeve Procedure and Techniques Used
The gastric sleeve procedure is typically performed using laparoscopy, a technique that relies on small incisions and a camera without the need for a full abdominal opening, which speeds up the recovery period. Preparatory steps include:
- A comprehensive evaluation by a nutritionist and a psychologist or social worker.
- Medical tests including blood and urine analysis, imaging of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and abdominal ultrasound.
- Determining the appropriate type of surgery, such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or gastric banding.
Gastric Sleeve Recovery Tips
The recovery phase begins by following a nutritional and exercise program under medical supervision, which includes:
- Eating small meals at close intervals with varied calorie intake.
- Adhering to daily vitamin intake to compensate for nutritional deficiencies.
- Integrating physical activity to maintain muscle mass, as replacing fat with muscle may make weight loss appear slower on the scale.
- Returning to a normal diet with small meals after the healing period; the greatest weight loss usually occurs in the first year.
- Some may opt for plastic surgery after one year to remove excess skin.
FAQ
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
It is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of the stomach to help with weight loss and the treatment of morbid obesity and associated diseases such as diabetes.
How is the procedure performed?
It is often done via laparoscopy through small incisions. Techniques vary between removing a portion of the stomach (sleeve) or rerouting it (bypass).
Can the stomach be shrunk naturally?
The biological size of the stomach cannot be changed without surgery, but appetite can be controlled and food intake reduced through a healthy diet and slow eating habits.
When to consult a doctor?
You should consult specialists if you wish to lose weight and your BMI exceeds 30 with accompanying diseases, if it exceeds 40, or in cases of unstable diabetes.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist physician.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team