3 Signs You Are A Good Candidate For Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Posted on: 6 October 2021
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Gastric sleeve surgery is a form of weight loss surgery that limits the amount of food a person can eat by surgically removing part of a patient's stomach. It typically results in patients losing 60% to 70% of their excess body weight, potentially improving or resolving related health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. This surgery is considered a last resort solution for those who have not been able to reduce their weight through diet and exercise.
When Should You Consider Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a gastric bypass procedure that restricts the amount of food you eat by surgically removing part of your stomach. During gastric sleeve surgery, your surgeon will remove a large portion of your stomach using one of several methods with the goal to significantly reduce the stomach's size. Though smaller in size, your new gastric sleeve stomach will still perform the normal gastric functions of mixing and receiving food.
Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are typically relatively healthy individuals with a body mass index greater than 40 or 35, and they must also have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health problems related to obesity. Candidates must commit to lifestyle changes after gastric sleeve surgery, including eating a healthy diet, getting adequate exercise, and taking nutritional supplements.
In this context, not everyone is a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery. If you think this surgical procedure may be right for you, consider these three signs:
1. You Have Been Unable to Lose Weight Through Moderate Diet and Exercise
For gastric sleeve surgery to be considered a viable option for weight loss, patients must have tried and failed to lose weight with traditional methods. If you can lose weight through diet and exercise but still have a large amount of excess weight, gastric sleeve surgery could be an appropriate solution.
2. You Cannot Control Your Sudden Urges for Food
Food is necessary for a person's survival and should not be avoided, but it is possible to control the cravings for certain types of food. If you are unable to resist these urges, a gastric sleeve surgery may be able to help. Instead of relying on willpower alone, you will learn how to hold back your appetite after this procedure.
3. You Have Certain Weight-Related Medical Conditions
Patients who have type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or heart disease are typically considered for gastric sleeve surgery. Sleep apnea is especially common among obese patients and occurs when the throat collapses while sleeping, restricting oxygen intake.
The Takeaway
If you are struggling with obesity, gastric sleeve surgery is a potential option to help you lose weight. While this procedure has been widely successful in helping people become slimmer and improve their general health, it's not for everybody. Contact a gastric sleeve surgery clinic near you to learn more.