About Sleeve Gastrectomy
Richmond University Medical Center’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute offers several types of weight-loss surgical procedures, one of which is the sleeve gastrectomy. Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most popular weight-loss procedures worldwide and has helped hundreds of thousands of people lose excess body weight. Learn more about this procedure below.
Understanding the Operation
During a sleeve gastrectomy, a portion of the stomach is surgically removed. Typically, about 70 – 80% of the stomach is taken out, leaving behind a narrow, tube-shaped stomach. The purpose of reducing the size of the stomach is to restrict the amount of food a person is able to eat at one time. It can also help prompt certain hormonal changes which contribute to weight loss. Within the first year after having a sleeve gastrectomy, most patients are expected to lose anywhere from 40 – 70% of their excess body weight.
This procedure is commonly performed laparoscopically. A series of small incisions are made on the upper abdomen, through which the surgeon can insert small instruments. Because laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, there’s generally a reduced risk of complications and a faster recovery time. However, sleeve gastrectomy can also be performed through open surgery.
What to Expect After Bariatric Sleeve Surgery
In order to ensure success after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, there are permanent diet and lifestyle changes that patients must make. After surgery, you’ll start on a liquid diet before gradually moving through a diet progression of pureed, soft, and regular foods as advised by your surgeon. You can find more information on our Post-Bariatric Surgery Guide. You will take vitamin and mineral supplements, come in for frequent checkups to make sure recovery is going well, and receive specific guidance from your surgeon.
With the right lifestyle changes and regular checkups, over time many patients are able to enjoy long-term weight loss and improved health and quality of life following gastric sleeve surgery. Ask your doctor which type of surgery you may be a good candidate for.
Deciding If Bariatric Sleeve Surgery Is Right for You
If you’re unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, a sleeve gastrectomy could be right for you. The average candidate has a body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 40 or greater. Many also have serious life-threatening health conditions related to obesity, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which may be treated with the help of weight-loss surgery.
Because sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent procedure, it’s important to consider how it will affect you now and in the future. Talk to your doctor about how the surgery will impact your diet and lifestyle and about any possible side effects and complications. Take time to consider other weight-loss options as well, so you can feel confident you’re making the right decision.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’re ready to enjoy a happier, healthier and longer life and think bariatric sleeve surgery might be a good path for you, schedule a consultation at the Richmond University Medical Center. Our bariatric specialists are highly experienced and knowledgeable about many types of weight-loss surgery. Call the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at (718)-818-4020 to get started.
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