Is Gastric Sleeve Right for Me?

Gastric sleeve, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is an effective weight loss surgery solution. You may be a candidate for this surgery if your body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, and you have at least 100 pounds of excess weight. If you have serious health issues related to your weight, you may qualify at a BMI of 35.

How Gastric Sleeve Helps You Lose Weight

With gastric sleeve, the stomach is restricted by dividing it vertically, creating a shape similar to a banana. The sleeve portion of the stomach is 20-40% of the stomach’s original size. The larger section of the stomach is not surgically removed. Weight loss is increased through the smaller size of the stomach, which enforces portion control. After surgery, you’ll only be able to eat tiny portions of food at a time. It also means you’ll feel less hunger, since the part of your stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hunger-stimulating hormone, is removed.

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery is Performed

Gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically, so it’s minimally invasive. Only small incisions are needed, through which your surgeon will thread surgical instruments as well as a tube to which a small camera is attached. The portion of the stomach with the bulkiest curvature is removed, and the sleeve that remains is securely closed using staples.

Weight Loss Results with Gastric Sleeve

Weight loss results for gastric sleeve surgery are promising. Long-term weight loss data for gastric sleeve as a stand-alone procedure are not yet available, but evidence shows that on average, sleeve gastrectomy patients have lost 60% of their excess weight. Other benefits of gastric sleeve include improvement of weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

The success you experience with gastric sleeve will depend on your commitment to adopting and maintaining a healthy post-surgical lifestyle with regard to diet and exercise, but the surgery is an excellent tool to get you started.

What are the Risks with Gastric Sleeve?

As with all weight loss surgeries, there are risks. Some of these risks include:

• Bleeding and formation of blood clots
• Infection
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Leaking through the staples in the stomach post surgery
• Injury to the spleen

A more comprehensive discussion of the risks and benefits of gastric sleeve is covered in depth in our free weight loss seminars.

Surgical Weight Management Solutions is here to Help You!

Are you ready to take the first step on a new path that could lead you to better health and improved energy and confidence? If you’d like to learn more about gastric sleeve and whether it might be right for you, please call Surgical Weight Management Solutions at 877-459-8080. You can also attend one of our free weight loss seminars, or fill out the contact form to the right. One of our experienced Patient Advocates will follow-up with you shortly!