Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery: What to Know

What is your BMI; are you within a healthy weight range? Weight management is a complex field. At times, your diet and exercise regimen may not suffice. This is more so since the excess weight may not be due to exercise or dietary flaws but rather from concerns such as genetics or environmental considerations. In such scenarios, considering weight loss surgery is recommended. Gastric sleeve Frisco is among the popular options, where over 70% of the stomach is removed. You are left with a tube-shaped stomach, averaging the size of a banana.

The procedure

The gastric sleeve procedure is usually undertaken laparoscopically. It entails the insertion of small medical instruments through many incisions in the upper abdomen. The significant stomach size reduction means your food intake capacity is limited. Moreover, the surgery results in hormonal changes, further facilitating weight loss. The hormonal changes also improve your overall health, especially as it helps relieve concerns associated with excess weight, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

After the procedure, you can expect to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days. Your doctor will monitor your progress to see if you have any complications. Gastric sleeve recovery in the short and long term is not overly complicated. You will be put on clear fluids for the first few days, then transition to soft foods. Don’t be in haste to take harder foods since they can cause damage to your stomach, leading to concerns such as nausea and vomiting. You should also avoid strenuous activities.

Qualifications criteria

The gastric sleeve procedure, while effective, is not for everyone. This is more so since it is not reversible. Ideally, the surgery is only done if you have tried other means with no success. An ideal candidate should:

• Have a BMI of 40 or higher (extreme obesity). Such an individual may not be able to exercise or manage their dietary efforts to lose weight.
• Have a BMI of 35-40 (obesity) with serious weight-related concerns. This includes high blood pressure, diabetes, and serious sleep apnea, to name a few. Besides having difficulty losing weight, such an individual is at increasingly high risk of suffering serious complications or even death as the weight-related health problems worsen. At times, a person with a BMI of as low as 30 but severe weight-related health issues may also qualify for a gastric sleeve.

The pros and cons

The gastric sleeve procedure is much safer, especially for high-risk patients. The procedure takes a shorter time and delivers significant weight loss. Moreover, unlike most alternatives, you are less likely to experience long-term nutrient deficiency. The major downside is that the procedure is irreversible. The procedure may also not significantly impact your metabolism compared to options like gastric bypass. You may also develop or experience increased acid reflux.

A gastric sleeve is an effective weight loss procedure that helps you avoid life-threatening problems associated with excessive weight. Call or visit The Bariatric Experts today for more on weight loss surgeries