What Is a Sleeve Gastrectomy and Is It Right for You?

The field of bariatric weight loss has grown exponentially in recent decades and today patients can pick and choose the bariatric treatments that work best for them. There are several types of bariatric weight-loss procedures, including gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and gastric sleeve surgery. Different procedures vary in how they alter the digestive tract.

The sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common bariatric procedures available. With a success rate ranging between 80% and 90% and a particularly low chance of complications, the sleeve gastrectomy promotes weight loss by altering the size of a patient’s stomach.

What Is a Sleeve Gastrectomy?  

A sleeve gastrectomy, also referred to as gastric sleeve surgery, is a laparoscopic procedure that involves removing up to 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a small, sleeve-like (hence the name) portion about the size and shape of a banana.

Because the procedure limits the amount of food the stomach can hold, patients feel satisfied while eating less. The procedure also reduces the amount of ghrelin—often called the hunger hormone—that is produced by the body, helping patients lose weight and keep it off.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Factors to Consider 

If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, talk with your doctor about your unique health and lifestyle factors to find out if you meet the criteria for the procedure.

BMI

Gastric sleeve surgery is often recommended for individuals with a BMI, or body mass index, of 40 or higher who have not had success losing weight through diet and exercise alone. If you have a BMI under 40, talk to your doctor about the non-surgical steps you can take to lose weight.

Health Conditions

If you have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and are diagnosed with obesity-related health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or GERD, a gastric sleeve surgery may help you lose weight and better manage your symptoms. Gastric sleeve surgery has been found to be particularly helpful in managing diabetes and sleep apnea, with most bariatric patients reporting significant improvement in those conditions.

Lifestyle Factors

Some patients may need to alter their lifestyle before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. If you are a smoker, avoid smoking in the months before your procedure. In the days leading up to the surgery, you may be asked to avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and medications that can cause blood thinning. If you are unable to accommodate these requests, you will need to explore other, non-surgical weight-loss options.

After surgery, bariatric surgeons will outline a comprehensive weight loss plan for each patient, which may inclide lifestyle changes like regular exercise and changes to the patient’s regular diet.

Rely on the Team at Wellstar Bariatrics 

Researching bariatric surgeries ahead of time can help bariatric patients find the best procedure for them. However, no amount of internet research will give you the expertise of an experienced bariatric team like the one at Wellstar Bariatrics. Our providers are available to guide you on your weight-loss journey, from initial consultations to comprehensive follow-up and recovery care.

Get in touch today to find out more!