Is Sleeve Surgery Right for You?

You’ve battled weight issues your entire life and they’re starting to take a real toll on your health. Your doctor has recommended sleeve gastrectomy surgery as an option to help you shed the pounds necessary to improve your overall health while enabling you to enjoy more energy throughout the day.

Is this surgery right for you?

While that’s a question only you and your bariatric surgeon can truly answer, understanding this procedure and its benefits can help shed light on the viability of this option.

How it Works

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery involves a laparoscopic procedure that strives to promote weight loss by altering the stomach itself. In this procedure, a large section of the stomach is divided vertically. The stomach is reshaped looking like a banana, ultimately giving off the appearance of a tube or sleeve.

The goal of this surgery is to reduce the size of the stomach to limit how much food can be held comfortably. In essence, the procedure forces people to eat less by lowering their intake capacity.

Benefit of the Procedure

While sleeve gastrectomy does result in a permanent alteration of the stomach itself, it’s considered less invasive than some other options. The benefits include the preservation of the pylorus valve, which also reduces the risk involved. This valve is responsible for controlling the amount of food that is released from the stomach into the small intestine, so keeping it in place is another benefit.

Sleeve procedures are highly effective, but they are permanent. Before deciding if this option is right for you, be sure to sit down with a bariatric surgeon to review your specific case and what benefits sleeve gastrectomy might offer you over other common procedures, such as Lap Band surgery or gastric bypass. When you’re armed with the facts in light of your unique situation, you can make the best possible decision for yourself.

About Author

One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson

• along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisions.