Introduction: Why the gastric sleeve is a great option for losing weight this year
If you're obese and that condition threatens your health, weight-loss surgery can change your life. While the gastric bypass procedure may be well-known, gastric sleeve surgery is most commonly performed by surgeons in the United States. At Healthy Life Bariatrics, we offer gastric sleeve surgery to help you lose weight effectively, quickly, and safely. As a result, you can reduce your risk of serious medical conditions and reach a healthier weight.
About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery reduces your stomach to about 15% of its original size. You lose weight. You simply can't eat as much because you feel full with smaller portions and have decreased hunger sensations. After the procedure, your stomach holds just about 2-3 ounces.
During the surgery, Dr. Moeinolmolki makes just a few incisions and directs a miniature camera into your abdominal area. He then inserts tiny instruments to remove part of your stomach and make it into a sleeve-like structure.
Less Invasive than Bypass Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery involves just a few small incisions and has a relatively fast recovery. You go home after just 1-2 days in the hospital.
With the more involved gastric bypass procedure, Dr. Moeinolmolki must cut and staple the stomach and rearrange your intestines. Gastric sleeve involves just your stomach, so the surgical procedure takes less time than the bypass and has less risk of complications.
Good Candidates for a Gastric Sleeve
Most men and women consider weight-loss surgery when it's impossible to lose or maintain weight loss through less invasive methods, such as diet, exercise, and medications. Obesity significantly increases your risk of certain health conditions, including diabetes, sleep apnea, infertility, and heart disease.
Because it has a lower risk of complications as compared to other weight-loss surgeries, gastric sleeve surgery is a particularly good option for most patients. If you're older or have a chronic, severe medical condition – such as heart failure – gastric sleeve surgery may be the best weight-loss surgery option.
Gastric sleeve surgery may be the best choice if you're mildly obese and need to lose about 50-80 pounds or have chronic abdominal pain or inflammatory disease. It's also a good choice if you have a demanding job, or you have an unpredictable lifestyle in which it's difficult to get adequate follow-up care.
Dr. Moeinolmolki may also recommend the procedure for you if you have upper intestinal issues that need monitoring through minimally invasive procedures, or if you're more prone to ulcers, bowel obstruction, or vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Plus, if you're at risk of developing hernias, a gastric sleeve is a preferred weight-loss surgery choice.
Why might I need gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery may be recommended for individuals with severe obesity, typically indicated by a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, medication, or behavior modification, may not have been successful in achieving significant and sustained weight loss for individuals with severe obesity due to various factors. These may include genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, or psychological factors that make it difficult to adhere to traditional weight loss methods.
Gastric sleeve surgery can offer potential benefits for severe obesity, including significant and sustainable weight loss, improvement or resolution of obesity-related medical conditions, and an improved overall quality of life. The surgery involves reducing the stomach size, which limits the amount of food a person can eat and can lead to reduced feelings of hunger. Additionally, it can lead to changes in gut hormones that help promote weight loss and improve blood sugar control. Overall, gastric sleeve surgery can be an effective treatment option for individuals with severe obesity who have struggled to achieve weight loss through other methods.
What are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, like any major surgical procedure, carries several potential risks and complications. These include bleeding, infection, and nutritional deficiencies that may arise from the reduced stomach size and capacity to absorb nutrients. Additionally, there is a possibility of leaks at the site of the staple line, blood clots forming in the legs, and issues related to anesthesia administration.
It is important to thoroughly review these risks with a healthcare professional before deciding to undergo gastric sleeve surgery. Considerations such as a patient's pre-existing medical conditions, their ability to adhere to post-operative dietary and lifestyle changes, and the overall impact on their quality of life should be taken into account.
Discussing these potential dangers with a healthcare professional can help patients make an informed decision about their treatment options and understand the necessary precautions to maximize safety and minimize complications. It is crucial for individuals considering gastric sleeve surgery to be fully aware of the risks and weigh them against the potential benefits of the procedure.
How do I get ready for gastric sleeve surgery?
To prepare for gastric sleeve surgery, first enroll in a bariatric surgery education program provided by your healthcare provider. This program will educate you on the procedure, potential risks, and the necessary lifestyle changes post-surgery. Next, seek nutritional counseling to learn about the dietary changes and requirements before and after the surgery. Undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure readiness for the procedure and to address any potential psychological factors related to overeating or body image.
Additionally, undergo physical exams and tests such as blood work, EKG, and imaging studies to assess overall health and identify any potential complications. Stop smoking and discontinue certain medications as advised by your healthcare team to reduce the risk of post-surgery complications. Finally, fast as instructed before the surgery, typically from midnight the night before, to ensure the stomach is empty for the procedure.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for gastric sleeve surgery, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
What happens during gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery is typically done using laparoscopy, in which a laparoscope and small surgical tools are inserted through small incisions in the upper abdomen.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow vertical sleeve that is about the size of a banana. This smaller stomach limits the amount of food that can be eaten, leading to reduced appetite and weight loss.
After creating the narrowed vertical sleeve, the surgeon may conduct a dye study or an upper endoscopy to check for any leaks in the sleeve. This is an important step in ensuring the success and safety of the surgery.
Overall, gastric sleeve surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques, which can result in less pain, quicker recovery, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. This makes it a popular option for those seeking significant weight loss and improvement in their overall health.
What happens after gastric sleeve surgery?
After gastric sleeve surgery, a post-surgery dietary change and maintenance plan is essential for successful weight loss and overall health. Initially, a liquid diet will be required, gradually transitioning to soft and then solid foods over time. Regular blood tests will be necessary to monitor nutrient levels and ensure the body is receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals. The potential risks of nutrient deficiencies after surgery are high, making it important for individuals to take daily supplements to prevent deficiencies.
In addition to dietary changes and supplements, lifestyle changes are crucial for long-term success. Regular exercise should be incorporated into the post-surgery routine to aid in weight loss and overall well-being. Joining a weight-loss surgery support group can provide valuable guidance, encouragement, and understanding from others who have gone through the same experience.
Overall, post-surgery dietary changes, regular blood tests, taking daily supplements, lifestyle changes, and joining a weight-loss surgery support group are all integral components of the post-gastric sleeve surgery plan to ensure successful weight loss and overall health.
Conclusion: Why the gastric sleeve is a great option for losing weight this year
Every patient is different, but people undergoing gastric sleeve surgery typically lose 60-70% of their excess weight within a year. The ultimate results depend on your age, gender, starting body mass index, and your commitment to the weight-loss diet and plan that follows surgery.
Our team at Healthy Life Bariatrics wants to help you achieve a healthy weight through weight-loss surgery when appropriate. If you're a good candidate for surgery, learn more about why gastric sleeve might be the best option for you. If you live in the Los Angeles area, call the office or book an appointment using this website.