At the Bhatti Weight Loss Center, we have a number of different surgical and non-surgical techniques in our arsenal to help you achieve the weight loss goals that you have in mind. One such technique is known as a sleeve gastrectomy. In today’s blog we take a closer look at the gastric sleeve procedure, and we explain how it can help you reach your weight loss goals.
Understanding The Gastric Sleeve Procedure
A sleeve gastrectomy helps to spur weight loss by removing a portion of the stomach. Roughly 75 percent of the stomach cavity is removed, leaving behind a smaller tube or sleeve shaped stomach. By doing this, the stomach size and in turn its capacity is greatly reduced, which allows you to feel full faster. Not only will this help you stop eating sooner, but you’ll also feel full for longer periods, which can help to fight cravings.
Other benefits of the procedure include:
- No other intestines are bypassed or removed during the procedure
- Nutrient absorption is not affected by the operation
- Can help spur hormonal changes that can assist in weight loss
- Only takes 1-2 hours to complete
Who Is A Candidate For Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Like almost any weight loss procedure, it will only be considered for patients who have tried and failed to achieve weight loss through traditional conservative methods. Moreover, a weight loss specialist will also require that the patient commit to healthy lifestyle changes that will help to ensure the procedure yields the expected results. This will include increased exercise and improved dietary choices, among other lifestyle adjustments.
A sleeve gastrectomy is considered a great option for patients with a Body Mass Index over 40, or for those with a BMI between 35-39.9 with underlying health conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. It is also ideal for patients who are too high-risk for a different weight loss procedure, like gastric bypass. It should also be noted that a surgeon may opt to move forward with a sleeve gastrectomy instead of a gastric bypass during the course of an operation if certain risk factors like an enlarged liver or scar tissue development could make gastric bypass a riskier decision.
Assuming a candidate follows their post-op care guidelines, a gastric sleeve procedure can be a very effective solution to help drive home weight loss. In fact, it’s possible to lose more than 50 percent or more of your excess weight within just two short years by diving into some healthy lifestyle habits after a sleeve gastrectomy. Aside from weight loss, a gastric sleeve procedure can help reduce your risk or the severity of a number of related health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and even fertility issues. Moreover, it can also lead to massive quality of life improvements as daily activities become easier.
So if you have struggled to lose weight and you’re wondering if a sleeve gastrectomy may be an option for you, reach out to Dr. Bhatti and the team at the Bhatti Weight Loss Center. Together, we can help find a weight loss solution that works for you. For more information, give our office a call today at (952) 368-3800.
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