The SmartShape™ gastric sleeve procedure allows you to lose weight, by helping you to control the portion sizes of your food. The procedure helps you to not only eat less, but feel fuller sooner. The gastric sleeve will help you to gain control of your hunger, while you are supported by the comprehensive weight loss program at SmartShape™.
Minimally-Invasive Weight Loss Procedure
First, let’s talk about the gastric sleeve procedure.
The procedure is performed by expert SmartShape™ surgeons, and takes about 60-90 minutes. The procedure is done laparoscopically, which means that it is minimally invasive, and can be performed without large incisions. A thin vertical “sleeve” of your stomach is created, and divided from the rest of your stomach. The rest of your stomach is then removed, leaving the gastric sleeve behind. The sleeve is roughly the size of a banana.
Most patients stay in the hospital for about 1-2 days and can return to normal activities within 5-7 days. Generally, gastric sleeve patients make a full recovery two weeks after the procedure. Patients should take it easy during their recovery. The food you eat after the procedure still passes through the digestive track in the usual manner, and all food and nutrients are fully-absorbed into the body.
Long-Lasting Weight Loss
The gastric sleeve procedure helps to ensure that small meals will satisfy you, long-term. You’re provided with an opportunity to gain control of your hunger, which you may not have otherwise been able to do. You can go even longer between meals, as the constant craving for food finally subsides.
Gastric sleeve patients are supported by the comprehensive weight loss program at SmartShape™. You will have access to a team, consisting of a registered dietitian, nurses, and coaches. A SmartShape™ surgeon is also available, around the clock, for urgent matters.
Your team of gastric sleeve experts will provide you with ongoing care and support, as you embark on your weight loss journey. Your team will help you to set personal goals, and teach you how to meet and exceed them. Some of the non-scale victories you may achieve, following the gastric sleeve procedure include improvements in:
- Health
- Mobility
- Confidence
- Quality of life
- Sleep patterns
- Appearance
- Energy levels
As you continually lose weight you might find that your confidence increases. This increase in confidence can help to further your motivation and drive to lose excess weight, ultimately meeting your goals. The gastric sleeve procedure is simply a tool to help you gain control of your hunger. The rest is up to you. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet are extremely important for long-lasting weight loss, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Health Benefits of the Gastric Sleeve Procedure
One of your motivations to lose excess weight might be the health benefits. Studies have shown that in the first year following the gastric sleeve procedure, patients achieve and maintain an average weight loss of 60% of excess weight. This weight loss can result in long-lasting health benefits.
There are many health issues that may be improved with the gastric sleeve procedure, including:
- Depression
- Sleep apnea
- Heartburn
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Liver disease
- Urinary incontinence
- Gout
The SmartShape™ gastric sleeve procedure and weight loss program can also have a positive impact on your mental health. The loss of excess weight can help you to feel more comfortable in your own skin, increase your confidence and self-esteem, while making you feel more comfortable to try new things. You are given an opportunity to spend more quality time with loved ones and truly experience life.
If you would like to learn more about the gastric sleeve procedure at the SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre, locate a centre near you!