Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is surgically removed. Medline Plus reports that 80 to 85 percent of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach tissue is then joined together, creating a tube or sleeve-like shape. The smaller stomach allows patients to feel full while eating considerably less food. This procedure is typically performed on patients with a body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or more. As with all surgeries, some complications of the gastric sleeve technique may result.
Leaking of the Sleeve
One possible complication of gastric sleeve surgery is leakage from the sleeve, according to Medline Plus. During the surgery, doctors staple the stomach together to form the sleeve. Gastric fluids and gastric contents may leak from the stapled sites. Leaking of the sleeve requires another operation to repair the leak.
Infection
MayoClinic.com reports that infection is a possible complication after gastric sleeve surgery. Infection may occur within the deep tissues of the abdomen or along incisions at skin level. In addition, if the sleeve begins to leak, bacteria from gastric contents can cause an infection in the abdominal cavity. If infection occurs, antibiotics are given. Depending on the source of the infection, an additional operation may need to be performed to treat it.
Blood Clots
Blood clots may form in the leg veins after surgery, according to Medline Plus. Blood clots after gastric sleeve surgery are most likely due to immobility following the surgery. In order to prevent blood clot formation, doctors may prescribe blood thinning medications for patients to take after surgery. In addition to medications, inflatable leg coverings called sequential compression devices, support hose and leg exercises may also be utilized.
Weight Gain
YourBariatricSurgeryGuide.com reports that it is possible to regain weight lost after gastric sleeve surgery. Because the stomach tissue is able to be stretched, the gastric sleeve can become distended with frequent overeating. In time, overeating leads to a stretched-out gastric sleeve that allows patients to return to their poor eating habits and weight gain begins.
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