While you can try and lose weight through lifestyle changes such as exercising and a healthy diet, it’s not always successful. If your excess weight is becoming stubborn or you are looking for an easier and more effective option, consider Sebring weight loss surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the effective procedures that help you lose weight by limiting the amount of food you consume and decreasing the number of calories you absorb. This way, you will attain your weight loss goals much easier and maintain them long-term. If you are struggling with stubborn weight, here is everything you need to know about gastric sleeve surgery.
What Exactly Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
This weight loss surgery involves removing a part of your stomach, reducing it by 70-80%. Gastric sleeve surgery supports weight loss by restricting excess food consumption due to a smaller stomach size. The doctor cuts across the top of your stomach and removes the greater curvature of the stomach on the left side. This results in a small pouch that only holds an ounce of food. The procedure also decreases the production of ghrelin, a hormone that increases appetite. This makes you feel full after taking smaller portions of food.
Are You a Right Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
To be a good candidate, you should have a BMI of 40 or more or a BMI of above 35, along with serious health problems that would get better with weight loss, such as obstructive sleep apnea or diabetes. Also, essential to keep in mind is that gastric sleeve surgery permanently changes the function and structure of your stomach. To be a perfect candidate for gastric sleeve surgery, you must be ready to make permanent lifestyle changes that make weight loss successful and decrease complication risks. You will be needed to engage in long-term medical follow-ups that monitor your medical conditions, nutrition, and lifestyle.
What Should You Expect During Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
You should expect to spend a night in the infirmary when undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. The doctors will give you anesthesia before the procedure to keep you comfortable and asleep during the surgery. Most surgeries are done laparoscopically, although some can be conducted with traditional open surgery. The surgery normally takes a few hours. You will receive a customized diet plan to help support your transition to the new lifestyle and effective healing.
How Fast Will You Notice Positive Results?
Now that you understand gastric sleeves, you probably wonder how quickly you will lose weight after the procedure. Although it varies in different people, most lose around twenty percent of their total body weight three months after the surgery and 20% more in a year. You will continue losing weight for the next two years before stabilizing.
Weight loss is achievable for anybody above the normal weight range, and surgical procedures can help in some cases. If you are struggling with weight loss, consult a weight loss specialist for a customized weight loss plan. Your doctor will help you determine if gastric sleeve surgery is the right option to help you lose weight.