Pros And Cons of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Over the years, sleeve gastrectomy has emerged as the most sought-after bariatric procedure worldwide. Gastric sleeve benefits far outweigh the potential gastric sleeve risks, which encourages many patients to choose this surgery over various other weight loss procedures.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery, providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about this transformative procedure. From understanding how gastric sleeve surgery works to delving into its potential benefits and drawbacks, we’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate this important decision with confidence.
Whether you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery for yourself or researching options for a loved one, join us as we uncover the key aspects of VSG procedure, empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.
How Gastric Sleeve Works?
Before we look at the pros and cons of gastric sleeve, let us understand how this surgery works. Your weight loss surgeon will perform this procedure in two steps.
- In the first step, the surgeon will remove a substantial part of your stomach (nearly three-quarters) along the external curvature. When the food pouch is made smaller, you will naturally eat less and lose weight.
- In the second step, they will give the new stomach a shape of a slender tube or a “sleeve” (hence the name “gastric sleeve”). The surgeon will not make any change to the normal outlet (the pyloric valve) that regulates the release of food from the stomach pouch to the small intestine.
The procedure will not only reduce your appetite, but also allow for a lower absorption of calories in your body, which further promotes weight loss. Certain favorable hormonal changes will also occur in the body with this surgery, which will help you curb hunger and achieve sustainable weight loss.
Pros and Cons of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Like any other bariatric surgery, the goal of gastric sleeve surgery is to help you achieve long-term weight loss.
However, the overall success of the procedure will also depend on your commitment to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle in the long run. During the initial consultation, your weight loss surgeon will explain to you to the pros and cons of gastric sleeve in order to help you make an informed decision.
Gastric Sleeve Benefits
1. Sustained Weight Loss
The primary advantage of gastric sleeve surgery is that it will enable you to lose a significant amount of excess weight on a sustainable basis.
Patients who have tried virtually every non-surgical method to get rid of obesity on their own but failed to do so can easily lose at least 65 pounds or more of their excess body weight.
READ: Gastric Sleeve Results: Expected weight loss after VSG surgery
2. Remission or Cure of Diabetes
One of the key gastric sleeve benefits for patients of type 2 diabetes is that their disease will go into long-term remission or the symptoms will disappear completely after the surgery. Nearly every diabetes patient can be free of insulin as well as adjunct medications following this surgery.
3. Improved Heart Health
Gastric sleeve surgery reduces an individual’s risk of heart disease and stroke. Their cholesterol and blood pressure levels can return to normal, thereby reducing coronary risks and improving their overall heart health.
4. Elimination of Sleep Apnea
When your body weight comes within the normal weight range, chances are that you will permanently get past obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Many patients do not feel the need to use a CPAP machine at bedtime after a gastric sleeve surgery.
5. Financial Benefits Related to Gastric Sleeve Surgery
While gastric sleeve surgery involves an upfront cost, it can potentially lead to significant long-term financial benefits for individuals struggling with obesity and related health conditions.
For individuals living with type 2 diabetes, the financial burden can be substantial. As per The Obesity Society, Medical expenses for managing this condition can be two to four times higher compared to those without diabetes. However, bariatric surgery, such as the gastric sleeve procedure, offers a promising solution not only for significant weight loss but also for effectively treating and potentially reversing type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies have demonstrated the remarkable therapeutic effects of bariatric surgeries on diabetes, often leading to improved blood sugar control, reduced medication requirements, and even remission in some cases.
As per the study by Obesity Review, the per-person direct medical cost of obesity was $1723.
It’s important to note that the financial benefits of gastric sleeve surgery may vary depending on an individual’s specific circumstances, insurance coverage, and the long-term success of the procedure.
6. Other Gastric Sleeve Benefits
- Relief from depression
- Alleviation of joint pains
- Improved fertility
- Restoration of self-esteem and self-confidence
Gastric Sleeve Risks
Although weight loss surgery is considered a highly safe procedure with a very high success rate, but you should be aware of the potential gastric sleeve risks in order to make a judicious choice.
Short-term Risks
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Poor reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clotting
- Breathing difficulties
- Leakage in the gastrointestinal system
Long-term Risks
- Stomach perforation
- Ulcers
- Hernias
- Gallstones
- Bowel obstruction
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Malnutrition
- Dumping syndrome (diarrhea and nausea)
Weighing Benefits vs. Complications
When considering gastric sleeve surgery, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks and complications associated with the procedure. While the advantages, such as improved health, long-term weight loss, and practical benefits, can be substantial, the potential drawbacks and lifestyle changes required should not be overlooked.
Patients should have a comprehensive understanding of the short-term and long-term risks, including potential complications like leaks, infections, nutritional deficiencies, and the need for lifelong dietary modifications and vitamin supplementation. Additionally, the financial implications, both in terms of the upfront cost of the surgery and the potential long-term savings, should be evaluated.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery is a highly personal one, and individuals should consult with qualified healthcare professionals to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the risks, benefits, and lifestyle changes involved.
Tips to Combat the Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
When you choose a qualified and experienced weight loss surgeon, your gastric sleeve risks will be minimized. This is a life-altering procedure, and it is entirely worth it to choose a reputable bariatric surgeon with a proven track record of success in weight loss surgeries.
Additionally, it is important that you meet certain medical guidelines in order to qualify for sleeve gastrectomy. Your surgeon will perform a detailed pre-op screening process to plan well for your surgery.
Last, but not the least, you should be willing to make long-term changes to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and regularly monitor your diet, activities, and your medical conditions.
To minimize risks and set yourself up for outstanding weight loss results:
- Quit smoking at least 3 months prior to surgery, as smoking increases complication risks
- Work hand-in-hand with your bariatric health team for preparation and aftercare
- Adopt a nutritious, portion-controlled diet tailored for your new sleeve stomach
- Incorporate regular exercise and physical activity
- Attend follow-up appointments and take prescribed supplements consistently
- Develop healthy coping strategies for stressful situations that can trigger emotional eating
Gastric Sleeve Before and After Pictures 2024
One of the most powerful ways to understand the impact of gastric sleeve surgery is through visual representations of patient transformations. Before and after photos of gastric sleeve patients can be truly inspiring, highlighting the remarkable weight loss journeys and physical changes that many individuals experience.
Comparing Gastric Sleeve to Other Weight Loss Surgeries
While gastric sleeve surgery has gained popularity in recent years, it is not the only weight loss surgery option available. It’s important to understand how it compares to other bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass, Lap-Band (gastric banding), and duodenal switch, in terms of surgical techniques, weight loss outcomes, and potential risks and complications.
As discussed earlier, gastric sleeve surgery typically leads to significant and sustained weight loss, with outcomes comparable to or slightly lower than gastric bypass in the first few years. However, it carries a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies and malabsorption-related complications compared to gastric bypass.
Compared to the Lap-Band procedure, gastric sleeve surgery is generally considered more effective for long-term weight loss and has a lower risk of complications and re-operations. However, the Lap-Band is a less invasive procedure and may be preferred for some patients.
The duodenal switch is a more complex surgery that combines restriction and malabsorption, leading to significant weight loss but also higher risks of nutritional deficiencies and complications. It is often reserved for patients with higher body mass indexes or those who have not achieved desired results with other procedures.
Ultimately, the choice of weight loss surgery will depend on various factors, including an individual’s specific health conditions, BMI, goals, and risk tolerance. Consulting with a qualified bariatric surgeon and discussing the pros and cons of each option is essential for making an informed decision.
READ: Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass vs. Lap Band: Which is The Best Weight Loss Surgery?
Am I Eligible for Gastric Sleeve?
Once you have objectively evaluated the pros and cons of gastric sleeve surgery, it is time to determine your eligibility for the procedure.
If your BMI is 40 or above, or between 35 and 39.9 along with diseases such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you could qualify for gastric sleeve. In some cases, you may even be eligible with a BMI above 30.
Call Jet Medical Tourism® now for a free consultation to determine your eligibility for a safe and affordable gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico, or complete this free online questionnaire to receive our professional feedback.
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