If you’ve been considering gastric sleeve surgery, there are a few details that you should keep in mind. During the surgery performed by Dr. Louis Balsama, your stomach will be reduced to limit the amount of food you can eat. There are usually a few conditions you must be able to meet before being approved for surgery, and Dr. Balsama can help you understand what they are and how you can meet them during your consultation. The most important condition is that you must be in good enough health to undergo surgery. You must be able to manage the side effects that come with surgery, and if you follow the aftercare instructions, the gastric sleeve surgery has a high probability of lasting results.
Health Benefits
If you’re obese, there are health concerns that can often be improved with gastric sleeve surgery. Some of these concerns include heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. If you’re unable to lose weight with diet and exercise alone, then your best chance to improve those concerns may be bariatric surgery.
Expectations for Bariatric Surgery
About 70% of your stomach is removed during the gastric sleeve surgery, so the amount of food that you consume is drastically reduced. With the stomach tissue gone, there will also be a decrease in the hormones associated with triggering your hunger, which also leads to a decrease in how much you eat. The removal of a portion of your stomach prevents a disconnection from your intestines, which decreases a condition called “dumping” that often occurs in people who have had gastric bypass.
Risks
As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved. However, a gastric sleeve procedure usually doesn’t have as many risks as some similar surgeries. Common risks include blood clots and infections. Skin glue is used close your small incisions together until they heal. Staples are used to close your stomach. As your stomach heals, you’ll find that you won’t be able to eat as much as you were before surgery. This means that you’re going to need to eat foods that have a higher amount of protein, vitamins and minerals so that you can get the nutrients that you need. Dr. Balsama can help inform you of the risks and determine whether the gastric sleeve or another procedure is right for you.
Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
You’ll undergo a physical exam to ensure that you’re healthy enough for surgery. Counseling is always provided before and after the procedure, as your lifestyle will drastically change in a short time. If you have certain lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking, then you will need to give these up before the procedure so that you’re in the best health possible. You also need to try to become as mobile as you can, as this can help to decrease your risk of a blood clot after surgery.
Recovery
After spending one night in the hospital, you’ll be released to go home so you can recover. You’ll be on a diet of clear liquids for the first week or so to allow your stomach to heal, and your body is ready for soft then solid foods. Limit foods that have a high-fat content or a high sugar content so that your body can adjust to healthier foods that it needs. To set up a gastric sleeve consultation, please contact our office.
