Pros And Cons of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Over the years, sleeve gastrectomy has emerged as the most sought-after bariatric procedure worldwide. Gastric sleeve benefits far outweigh the potential gastric sleeve risks, which encourages many patients to choose this surgery over various other weight loss procedures.
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How Gastric Sleeve Works?
Before we look at the pros and cons of gastric sleeve, let us understand how this surgery works. Your weight loss surgeon will perform this procedure in two steps.
- In the first step, the surgeon will remove a substantial part of your stomach (nearly three-quarters) along the external curvature. When the food pouch is made smaller, you will naturally eat less and lose weight.
- In the second step, they will give the new stomach a shape of a slender tube or a “sleeve” (hence the name “gastric sleeve”). The surgeon will not make any change to the normal outlet (the pyloric valve) that regulates the release of food from the stomach pouch to the small intestine.
- The procedure will not only reduce your appetite, but also allow for a lower absorption of calories in your body, which further promotes weight loss. Certain favorable hormonal changes will also occur in the body with this surgery, which will help you curb hunger and achieve sustainable weight loss.
Pros and Cons of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Like any other bariatric surgery, the goal of gastric sleeve surgery is to help you achieve long-term weight loss.
- However, the overall success of the procedure will also depend on your commitment to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle in the long run.
- During the initial consultation, your weight loss surgeon will explain to you to the pros and cons of gastric sleeve in order to help you make an informed decision.
Related: Gastric Bypass Pros And Cons
Gastric Sleeve Benefits
Sustained Weight Loss
The primary advantage of gastric sleeve surgery is that it will enable you to lose a significant amount of excess weight on a sustainable basis. Patients who have tried virtually every non-surgical method to get rid of obesity on their own but failed to do so can easily lose at least 65 pounds or more of their excess body weight.
Related: Gastric sleeve results: Expected weight loss after VSG surgery
Remission or Cure of Diabetes
One of the key gastric sleeve benefits for patients of type 2 diabetes is that their disease will go into long-term remission or the symptoms will disappear completely after the surgery. Nearly every diabetes patient can be free of insulin as well as adjunct medications following this surgery.
Related: Gastric Bypass Cures Diabetes: Fact or Myth?
Improved Heart Health
Gastric sleeve surgery reduces an individual’s risk of heart disease and stroke. Their cholesterol and blood pressure levels can return to normal, thereby reducing coronary risks and improving their overall heart health.
Elimination of Sleep Apnea
When your body weight comes within the normal weight range, chances are that you will permanently get past obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many patients do not feel the need to use a CPAP machine at bedtime after a gastric sleeve surgery.
Other Gastric Sleeve Benefits
- Relief from depression
- Alleviation of joint pains
- Improved fertility
- Restoration of self-esteem and self-confidence
Related: Is a gastric sleeve worth it?
Gastric Sleeve Risks
Although weight loss surgery is considered a highly safe procedure with a very high success rate, but you should be aware of the potential gastric sleeve risks in order to make a judicious choice.
Short-term Risks
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Poor reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clotting
- Breathing difficulties
- Leakage in the gastrointestinal system
Related: What are the risks of gastric sleeve?
Long-term Risks
- Stomach perforation
- Ulcers
- Hernias
- Gallstones
- Bowel obstruction
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Malnutrition
- Dumping syndrome (diarrhea and nausea)
Tips to Combat the Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
When you choose a qualified and experienced weight loss surgeon, your gastric sleeve risks will be minimized. This is a life-altering procedure, and it is entirely worth it to choose a reputable bariatric surgeon with a proven track record of success in weight loss surgeries.
Related: Best Bariatric Surgeons in Mexico (2020)
Additionally, it is important that you meet certain medical guidelines in order to qualify for sleeve gastrectomy. Your surgeon will perform a detailed pre-op screening process to plan well for your surgery.
Last, but not the least, you should be willing to make long-term changes to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and regularly monitor your diet, activities, and your medical conditions.
Related: Gastric Sleeve Surgery Post Op Diet
Am I eligible for Gastric Sleeve?
Once you have objectively evaluated the pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery, it is time to determine your eligibility for the procedure. If your BMI is 40 or above, or between 35 and 39.9 along with diseases such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you could qualify for gastric sleeve. In some cases, you may even be eligible with a BMI above 30.
Jet Medical Tourism® is here to help you. Since 2017, we have helped patients from all around the world achieve their weight loss goals successfully. Apply Now or get in touch with us today by calling (855) 506-6188 or the contact form.
