Not sure if the gastric sleeve procedure is right for you?
There’s a lot of information about what the gastric sleeve is, and what it isn’t. We’ve even found that there’s lots of confusion about how it works and how it’s performed. To set the record straight, we explain everything you need to know about the procedure but were afraid to ask. Read on for everything you need to know about the gastric sleeve.
What Is the Gastric Sleeve?
The gastric sleeve is a procedure that decreases the size of your stomach so that you eat less food and feel full sooner. If you’re frustrated by failed attempts at weight loss through yo-yo dieting and sporadic spurts of exercise, then this could be the weight-loss solution for you.
Find out if the gastric sleeve surgery is right for you before you decide to take the gastric plunge!
The Procedure
Surprisingly, the gastric sleeve procedure only takes between 60 and 90 minutes. During the surgery, your surgeon will remove approximately two-thirds of your stomach. Just think, in the time that it takes to watch two episodes of Games of Thrones, you’ll be closer to a leaner, healthier version of you!
The end result is a long, narrow “banana-sized” stomach or “sleeve”, that limits the amount of food you can eat, thus helping you lose weight and live a much healthier, happier life.
What to Expect?
This minimally invasive procedure is performed laparoscopically, using general anesthesia. This means a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain. You will experience some discomfort during the first week of the procedure. However, it’s usually restricted to the laparoscopic port sites and can be managed by oral pain medication. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the best oral pain medication for you.
Gain Control
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of the gastric sleeve is that it reduces the sensation of feeling hungry by reducing a hormone called Ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite. This means you’ll be better able to regulate portion control by feeling satisfied quicker and for longer periods of time before you feel hungry again.
Studies have also shown that following the procedure, people are able to achieve and maintain an average weight loss of 70% of excess body weight in the first year.
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Right for Me?
The Gastric Sleeve procedure may be the right solution if you:
- Have a BMI of 30 and above
- Have a BMI of 30 and above with obesity-related medical problems
- Are prepared to make changes in your eating habits and lifestyle
- Prefer a procedure that requires minimal ongoing intervention or adjustments
- Do not drink alcohol in excess and do not have an illegal drug dependence
If you’re considering having the gastric sleeve surgery performed, it’s recommended that you speak with a specialist. A one-on-one conversation during a consult will give you an opportunity to really learn more about how it works and find out if it’s the best option for you.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
There are many possible benefits to the gastric sleeve surgery, including:
- Lose as much as 70% of excess weight in the first year
- Type II Diabetes could be positively affected by decreased medications required for many patients
- Could lower risk of heart disease and stroke
- Patients may lose cravings for certain foods
- May improve high blood pressure
- Could improve cholesterol
- Most patients resume normal life in a few days
- You will feel full quickly
- You are home the day of surgery
It doesn’t end there. Imagine feeling confident and proud of your healthier body, for the rest of your life? Now that’s a benefit that just about everybody could look forward to.
How Much Does It Cost?
The gastric sleeve procedure may be more affordable than you think. Learn about cost and financing options by visiting our cost and financing page or request a free consultation with one of our experts.
Want to learn more about the gastric sleeve procedure? Request a free consultation with our experts at the SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre. Our team of professional and friendly weight loss experts would be happy to help you explore your options.