People battling obesity usually consider undergoing sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery after exhausting every other avenue for attaining weight loss. While it is a popular procedure with proven results, it helps to know a bit about sleeve gastrectomy procedures and the techniques involved, if you are considering medical weight loss. Many people successfully undergo gastrectomy weight loss surgery in DFW under the guidance of leading surgeons.
Today, through this blog, we will list 5 things you should know before considering undergoing sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery.
1. What is gastrectomy weight loss surgery?
Sleeve Gastrectomy weight loss surgery is a surgical weight loss procedure that is performed using a laparoscope. During the procedure, a laparoscope is inserted in the upper abdomen through small incisions to remove 80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped tube. This reduction limits the amount of food a patient can consume. The procedure also brings about hormonal changes that alleviate conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes that are associated with being overweight.
2. How much weight loss should be expected?
On average, bariatric surgery results in a 50-70% reduction in excess body weight in 18 months to 2 years. But there are many factors that contribute towards the desired weight loss like dietary and lifestyle changes. Losing more than 50% of the extra weight without any setbacks is considered a successful weight loss journey.
3. How long does the procedure take?
As the procedure involves inserting a laparoscope through tiny incisions, it takes about an hour for the entire process to be completed. After surgery, the patient is kept under observation until the anesthesia wears off, after which they are allowed to go home the same day or next. The sutures made by the laparoscope will completely heal within a few months, but patients can resume most of their day-to-day activities after 2-3 weeks.
4. What lifestyle changes can be expected?
Even though bariatric surgery treatments result in substantial weight loss, maintaining that weight loss requires patients to commit to some permanent lifestyle and dietary changes. With respect to diet, patients should avoid the consumption of foods with empty calories and alcohol. As the stomach can only consume a limited amount of food, patients should make sure that everything they consume is highly nutritious. Concerning lifestyle changes, patients have to formulate a routine that involves cardiovascular and resistance exercises.
5. Will there be any loose skin after weight loss?
After a significant amount of weight loss, a patient’s skin will most likely become loose in some parts of the body, including thighs, the stomach, and underarms. The appearance of loose skin depends on many factors like the amount of weight loss, genetics, and age. The loose skin can become an issue for some patients as it can get sore due to constant friction or result in skin infections. Patients can consult their doctor to know whether they will have excess skin after gastrectomy weight loss surgery so they can explore cosmetic surgery options for getting rid of the problem.
Final word
Sleeve Gastrectomy weight loss surgery is a proven and cost-effective way to lose excess weight without any complications. The journey, however, is not as simple as it may seem. Patients have to stick to guidelines provided by their doctor to ensure that they reach their weight-loss goals. You can find weight loss clinics online that offer free consultation regarding gastrectomy weight loss surgery in DFW, Texas.
