When it comes down to it, patients tend to have gastric sleeves in order to lose weight and positively impact their health. Whilst any weight loss surgery can come with its own risks and complications, the myriad of health benefits and having the chance to turn your life around tends to outweigh the negatives. Why? Long-term a gastric sleeve procedure could save or extend a patients life, removing the impact that one or more associated comorbidities are having on the body.
What are Comorbidities?
Comorbidities are when one or more weight-related health issues combine with obesity to create further complications and risks for an individual. These may include, but are not exclusive to heart disease, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, mobility issues, digestive and kidney diseases, sleep apnoea, excessive fatigue, and fatty liver. More comorbidities include type 2 diabetes, hypoventilation syndrome, and cancer. These factors can increase the overall risk of mortality, and thus losing weight and addressing them is highly important.
What is a Gastric Sleeve?
A gastric sleeve is a bariatric surgery performed under anaesthetic and is also known as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Incisions are made on the abdomen, usually laparoscopically, and the consultant surgeon will endeavour to remove up to around 80% of the stomach. Doing this, the surgeon leaves behind a slim, sleeve like structure that reduces feelings of hunger and the ability to consume the same amounts of food as before. Success with the gastric sleeve can lower body mass index (BMI) and loss of excess weight loss of up to around 70% in the first two years.
A gastric sleeve differs fundamentally to a gastric bypass surgery, and is often performed before a person is eligible for a bypass.
Could a Gastric Sleeve be Right for Me?
If you have a BMI of 35 and above, or a BMI of 30 and above as well as existing comorbidities, the gastric sleeve might be an option for you. Speaking to a member of our team and consultant will provide further clarity. In the meantime, you can check your BMI using our online BMI calculator.
Like a gastric bypass, a gastric sleeve is a permanent, surgical procedure, and all patients must have tried traditional forms of weight loss prior. We encourage all patients to do as much research into metabolic and bariatric surgery as they can in order to come to an informed, measured decision. Ultimately, your eligibility for any of our surgical procedures will be assessed by one of our Consultant Surgeons.
Cost and More
There are no extensive waiting lists with Allure Weightloss, only preparation time. Get in touch to learn when you could have the procedure, as well as receive your free no-obligation quote.