Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery

Obesity is a serious problem that plagues nearly two-thirds of Americans. Obesity increases the risk of sufferers developing a whole host of medical problems, including diabetes and heart disease.
Most doctors recommend that their obese patients first attempt to lose weight by maintaining the proper diet and exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, three times per week. This is the ideal way to lose weight and keep it off for life. However, there are options if you find that isn't working for you. One option is to undergo the elective sleeve weight loss surgery.

How It Works

• Sleeve weight loss surgery is designed to reduce the size of the stomach to about 15% of its original size. Once the large portion of the stomach is removed, the stomach is then surgically stapled to form a vertical pouch that resembles the shape of a banana. The remaining pouch can then hold around two ounces of food at one time.
  The procedure starts with the surgeon creating several small incisions in the abdomen. These incisions allow for long surgical instruments to enter the midsection and remove the large portion of the stomach. Once the bulk of the stomach is removed, the stomach is stapled.
  After the stomach is stapled, the surgeon tests the stomach to ensure that the staples are placed correctly and there's no change for leakage. After that's finished, the external incisions are sutured.

Advantages

• Like any surgery, Sleeve weight loss surgery has its advantages and disadvantages. It has many advantages for patients, the biggest of which is that not foreign body is placed into the body like other forms of weight loss surgery (like a lap band).
  After recovery, patients have the option to enjoy limited amounts of a wide variety of foods as long as they stick to the diet prescribed by their physicians. Sleeve weight loss surgery also eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulate hunger. Because of this, it also minimizes a patient's chance for an ulcer.

Disadvantages

• Though sleeve weight loss surgery has its disadvantages, many patients find that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. However, it's important to keep them in mind when making your decision on the procedure.
  One disadvantage is that sleeve weight loss surgery is irreversible, meaning that the removed stomach cannot be reattached at a later time. Another disadvantage is that the stomach can stretch, leaving the potential for weight regain.

Expected Weight Loss

• Patients who undergo sleeve weight loss surgery can lose anywhere from 30-50% of their body weight post-procedure. Most weight loss from the surgery comes gradually. To maximize results, patients must maintain a steady diet and nutritional regimen until body weight stabilizes. Failing to do this can result in weight regain.

Risks and Considerations

• Sleeve weight loss surgery is recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher who are considered too high-risk for other forms of bariatric surgery.
  Patients who are considered obese, but morbidly obese, are also good candidates for this procedure. Sleeve weight loss surgery holds few risks for obese patients, but it should be noted that smoking increases the chance of complications and that failing to stick to the doctor-prescribed diet can cause stomach stretching and weight regain.
  If you're considering sleeve weight loss surgery, the best thing is to contact a doctor who specializes in bariatric surgery. Doctors who specialize in the procedures understand the ins and outs of the different weight loss surgery options and can recommend what would work best for your personal situation.