Often a surgical solution for patients looking for dramatic weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, reduces the size of the stomach in order to limit food consumption. Learn more about how the sleeve gastrectomy helps people lose weight and whether you may be a good candidate for this bariatric surgery.
During a Sleeve Gastrectomy
During gastric sleeve surgery, the outer curved portion of the stomach is removed and the remaining portion is stapled shut to create a tube (or sleeve) shape. This weight loss surgery is usually performed laparoscopically through several small incisions using tiny instruments and a laparoscope for visual guidance.
Gastric sleeve surgery often results in rapid weight loss, with patients losing as much as 80% of their excess body fat within the first year after surgery. In some cases, a sleeve gastrectomy can be combined with a gastric bypass surgery procedure in order to increase the weight loss results.
After a Sleeve Gastrectomy
Like other bariatric surgery patients, gastric sleeve patients will need to commit to long-term lifestyle changes. This is especially important to consider prior to surgery because sleeve gastrectomies are irreversible. Lifestyle changes include getting plenty of exercise, eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and avoiding beverages during your meals.
In addition to making lifestyle changes, you should be aware of potential complications to watch out for after a gastric sleeve surgery. Possible complications may include leaking from the stapled portion of the stomach or blood clots.
Is a Sleeve Gastrectomy Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for weight loss surgery if you are looking to lose a significant amount of weight, usually about 80 pounds for women and 100 pounds for men. You should also have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise in the past. Many weight loss surgery patients also have obesity related health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
Once you’ve determined that you’re interested in bariatric surgery, you’ll need to determine whether a sleeve gastrectomy is the best option for you. A benefit of the gastric sleeve surgery procedure is it does not require the use of foreign materials placed inside your body or a bypass of your small intestine. As a result, this weight loss surgery rarely causes nutrient absorption issues.
A surgeon at Destination Weight Loss can help you analyze your potential risks and determine which weight loss surgery is right for you.
To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery or to contact one of our bariatric surgeons, call us at 256.840.5547 (Albertville) or 256.571.8734 (Guntersville) or complete our contact form.
