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Bariatric Surgery – Gastric Sleeve

Bariatric surgery is the definitive solution to obesity.  It helps weight loss by restricting the capacity of the stomach. Producing extensive and definitive results, surprisingly this procedure is performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery).

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common bariatric surgery solutions due to its effectiveness and simplicity.  The operation results with approximately 80 percent of the stomach being removed.  The remaining stomach is sort of a tubular pouch that is only able to retain a few milliliters of food.

Bariatric surgery is the definitive solution for extreme weight loss. This relatively quick and comfortable solution for obesity has the following advantages:

  1. Reduces the capacity of the stomach
  2. Patients will feel full with much less food
  3. Helps achieve weight loss of approximately 40 – 50 percent
  4. No internal trauma is caused, intestines are left intact and not rerouted
  5. Operation scars are not visible with only a few minor incissions
  6. Requires a very short hospital stay, usually around 24 hours
  7. Has the lowest rate of early postoperative complications among bariatric procedures

Bariatric surgery is not for everyone who wish to have it. Doctors generally recommend it only for people who:

  1. Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
  2. Have a lower BMI (35 to 40), but also have serious health problems related to obesity like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, or severe sleep apnea
  3. Have tried and failed to lose weight by nonsurgical means such as diet and exercise
  4. Fully understand the risks associated with weight loss surgery and are motivated

Bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) works by physically restricting the stomach’s size thereby limiting the amount of food you can eat. While a normal stomach can hold about 1.5 liter of food after bariatric surgery, a stomach may only hold 30 millilitres of food.

Bariatric surgery is not a simple decision. It will help you lose extreme weight however to keep this weight off one has to make lifestyle changes.

Here are some tips:

  • Eat very small meals. Adapting to small meals is a challenging but necessary step. Eat small, chew well, and eat proteins a staple.
  • Nutrition is priority. Every bite counts. Good nutrition is critical when you can only eat a small amount. Take the right supplements, as recommended by your doctor and follow your dietitian’s nutrition plan designed to meet your needs.
  • Exercise regularly. True lifestyle change starts here. Exercise helps you stay strong and keep your weight off. It will also be easier for you as you progressively lose weight.