Everything You Need To Know About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Many Americans struggle with obesity, and while some people can manage to lose weight on their own, others need medical intervention to really see results. Gastric sleeve surgery is one method to help people finally lose weight, which can prevent a host of issues, such as osteoarthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is similar to gastric bypass surgery, but it is less extreme. During gastric bypass surgery, nearly all the stomach is removed. During gastric sleeve surgery, a lot of the stomach is also removed, but it leaves behind a larger stomach, which is better for heavier people and less drastic.

You won't be able to eat as much as you used to because your stomach will be much smaller. However, over time, overeating can stretch out the stomach again. The procedure, however, does remove a portion of the stomach that releases an appetite-boosting hormone, so you may be less likely to overeat in the future.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery typically need to have a BMI of 40 percent or higher. You should also be between the ages of 18 and 65. You may qualify if your BMI is a little under 40 percent, but you'll need to also struggle with diabetes, asthma, hypertension, or another qualifying condition.

Before you go in for surgery, you should also show that you should avoid overeating. Overeating after your gastric sleeve surgery is incredibly dangerous, so if you keep binge eating, gastric sleeve surgery is not the right choice.

What Should You Expect After Surgery?

After surgery, you may have to remain in the hospital for some time to ensure there are no complications. Immediately after surgery, you should stick to a clear liquid diet, and you should only eat pureed foods after that for a while. Once your doctor tells you it's okay to eat solid food again, keep in mind that you'll need to permanently change the way you eat.

Avoid overeating, chew your food thoroughly, and avoid high-calorie snacks. You'll also want to avoid drinking while you eat because the excess liquid can cause the stomach to fill too quickly. Right after surgery, you should start to see your weight drop drastically.

If you are sick of struggling with your weight, it may be time to consider gastric surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is a great way to shrink your stomach, so you can't overeat. If you would like to know more about gastric sleeve surgery, contact a provider in your area today.