Over the past decade, Gastric sleeve surgery also called sleeve gastrectomy, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery has become a popular weight loss procedure throughout the nation, particularly for obese patients who want to drop a significant amount of weight. Unfortunately, the United States ranks among the most obese countries in the world, and there are approximately nine million morbidly obese Americans unable to achieve permanent weight loss results.
At Miami Sleeve Center, we offer gastric sleeve surgery and are committed to guiding our patients through the entire treatment process. This article will address some of the most important questions about gastric sleeve in Miami and provide you with valuable information so you can make an empowered decision. If you are considering a gastric sleeve in Miami, and think it is a good choice, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us.
What is sleeve gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that helps with weight loss by limiting food intake. During surgery, about 75 percent of the stomach is removed, and the remaining is shaped like a tube or sleeve. The lap sleeve gastrectomy procedure is currently used in patients with BMI larger than 40. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery:
“Bariatric surgery may often act as an effective tool to provide you with long-term weight-loss and help you increase your quality of health.”Are you a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?
Patients suffering from clinically severe obesity unable to lose weight through diet or exercise alone can benefit from a gastric sleeve surgery in Miami and avoid the health risks associated with obesity. However, not all overweight patients may qualify for this procedure. Individuals seeking this procedure must meet some criteria, including:
- Between 18 and 65 years old with body mass index 40 or higher, equivalent to 270 pounds for a person 5’9. Patients with BMI of 35 may also qualify with an additional obesity-related health condition such as diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, and hypertension.
- Must be in optimal health to handle the physical stress of gastric sleeve Miami. Some patients may be suffering from a major health complication, which makes surgery very risky. Some of these complications may be caused by obesity; therefore, the patient may need to lose some weight before undergoing sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
- Must be ready psychologically – The lap sleeve gastrectomy procedure may cause unexpected reactions due to the life-altering changes the patient will experience after surgery. Patients should have a positive attitude towards exercise, food, and health improvement. Many insurance companies require a psychological consultation during the pre-op evaluation process.
Your initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon in Miami
During your initial consultation, a bariatric surgeon will answer all your questions whether medical or personal. Remember the first appointment is for the surgeon to develop an understanding of your individual needs. You will begin an extensive screening process to determine whether sleeve gastrectomy is appropriate for you and whether the health benefits associated with this procedure outweigh the potential risks. When conducting the evaluation, several factors are considered such as weight trends, health problems, motivation, and age.
Some questions you can ask during your initial consultation include:
- How much weight can I lose and how long will it take?
- Is there any scarring and what can be done to minimize it?
- What medications should I avoid prior to the lap sleeve gastrectomy procedure?
- How can I lower the risk of gastric sleeve surgery complications?
- What type of anesthesia you use?
- How often are my follow-up visits?
- Can I contact you in case of an emergency?
How the gastric sleeve works?
Gastric sleeve Miami changes the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract by removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach through minimally evasive techniques that yield lasting results. The remaining stomach is reshaped like a “sleeve” or tube. No other organ is altered during surgery. There are two mechanisms at work during the lap sleeve gastrectomy procedure:
- Oral restriction – Patients can only eat a small amount of food
- Suppressed appetite – There are chemical changes that will occur in the body that may decrease appetite
Gastric sleeve surgery takes about an hour. The surgeon will first make a few small cuts in the stomach to insert the laparoscope. Other medical instruments may also be inserted through additional cuts. Approximately ¾ of the stomach is removed. Lastly, the remaining stomach is reattached and shaped like a tube or sleeve.
What to expect after a gastric sleeve Miami
After gastric sleeve surgery, patients may be in the hospital 2 to 3 days. Every patient responds to pain differently. Pain is usually moderate on the first day, and pain medications will be administered as needed. There are several incisions in the abdomen, but the opening that causes most pain is the section where a large portion of the stomach was removed. The surgeon may suggest you walk since this can help reduce the pain.
When it comes to sleeve surgery diet, surgeons recommend you drink small amounts of foods only such as broth, milk, strained cream soup, and unsweetened juice. Carbonated beverages and caffeine should be avoided. Remember the size of the stomach is reduced so you will become full more quickly and have less craving. This procedure is used along with a healthy sleeve surgery diet so the right foods and portions, vitamin and supplements must be taken during recovery as directed by your surgeon. Patients tend to eat less after surgery due to the portion of the stomach producing hormones called ghrelin and leptin being removed. These hormones are responsible for regulating the appetite and energy balance so once they are removed; the patient will feel less hungry.
It’s essential you surround yourself with family and friends who understand your pain, sleeve surgery diet protocols, and emotional state. This procedure will change your life, so it is natural to experience a variety of emotions.
Contact us for your weight loss surgery
When you make decisions about your health, you should take the next step with all the education required. At Miami Sleeve Center, we understand that health care decisions are difficult. That’s why we offer you guidance throughout the whole process. We care about patients suffering from obesity and related health concerns. For your convenience, we offer a complimentary consultation during which your surgeon can personally address any questions or concerns you may have. To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery, or any other weight loss option, call us today!