Sleeve Gastrectomy
EXPLAINING SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
Through a sleeve gastrectomy, you can significantly reduce the size of your stomach — on average, 15% of its original size. This reduction is achieved by surgically removing part of the greater curvature, allowing it to take shape as though it were a tube or sleeve structure. This limits the amount of food you can eat and therefore reduces your calorie intake, which helps achieve weight loss.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY?
The sleeve gastrectomy procedure is an excellent option for those looking for a highly effective but minimally invasive weight loss surgery. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you have been struggling to lose weight using other methods, such as diet and exercise alone, or if you have been diagnosed with an obesity-related solution to your weight loss needs.
THE BENEFITS OF SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
Sleeve gastrectomy is a very effective weight loss solution, with most patients seeing a significant reduction in their BMI (body mass index) within the first year. Additionally, this procedure helps to reduce your risk of developing obesity-related health conditions!
HOW IS IT DONE?
The sleeve gastrectomy is performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Five small incisions are made, all less than 1 inch long. The stomach is stapled and about 85% of the stomach is removed. You are left with a stomach about the size and shape of a small banana.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY?
Most people stay in the hospital only 1 night. You should plan on being off work for about 1-2 weeks. You will be on a liquid only diet for 3 weeks.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The sleeve works in 2 ways. It restricts how much you can eat because the stomach is smaller. It also greatly affects your gastrointestinal (GI) hormones to make you less hungry and help your body regulate weight better.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
Average weight loss is 65-75% of your excess weight. Also, there can be drastic improvement or resolution of medical conditions associated with weight.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?
As with any surgery there are risks. However, we have taken great steps to minimize these before and after surgery. You will learn a lot more about this in the office.
DO I QUALIFY?
The current national criteria for sleeve gastrectomy is that you must have a BMI > 40. However, if you are being treated for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, or diabetes, you can qualify if your BMI is > 35.
SUCCESS STORIES
After getting the information she needed, she went to visit Anchorage Bariatrics. “Dr. Lee is fantastic!” asserts Jennifer. “I like his personality, and I like the way he breaks things down for you. He is very detailed...