Bariatric surgery encompasses several procedures designed to assist individuals with weight management. Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is one such option. The journey toward this procedure involves a detailed qualification process to determine a person’s suitability for the surgery. This process evaluates physical health, medical history, and readiness for the lifestyle adjustments that follow the operation.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a bariatric procedure that permanently reduces the size of the stomach. Surgeons perform this operation to help individuals with obesity achieve substantial and long-term weight loss. By creating a smaller stomach pouch, the surgery restricts the amount of food a person can consume at one time, which leads to a lower calorie intake.
The procedure also affects hormones that regulate appetite. This hormonal change, combined with the physical restriction of the stomach, helps support sustained weight loss. The objective is not only to lose weight but also to improve or resolve health conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
What Does It Involve?
The gastric sleeve procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive technique. A surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen to insert a camera and specialized surgical instruments. Using these tools, the surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach.
The remaining part of the stomach is formed into a narrow, tube-like shape resembling a banana or a sleeve. Unlike some other bariatric procedures, gastric sleeve surgery does not bypass or reroute the intestines. This means the body absorbs nutrients from food in the usual way, just in smaller quantities. Recovery involves a gradual transition from a liquid diet back to solid foods over several weeks, following a specific dietary plan provided by the surgical team.
Who Qualifies For It?
The qualification criteria for gastric sleeve surgery are established to promote a positive outcome for the patient. A primary factor is the body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher are often candidates. A person with a BMI between 35 and 39.9 may also qualify if they have at least one serious obesity-related health condition. These conditions can include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, severe sleep apnea, or heart disease.
Beyond BMI, a candidate’s medical history is thoroughly reviewed. They must demonstrate that they have attempted to lose weight through supervised methods like diet and exercise without long-term success. Candidates must be prepared for the significant, lifelong lifestyle changes required after surgery. This includes adhering to a strict diet and attending follow-up appointments. A commitment to these permanent changes is a key component of the evaluation process.
Confer With a Specialized Surgeon
The path to determining if gastric sleeve surgery is a suitable option involves a comprehensive evaluation. A detailed conversation with a bariatric surgeon is a fundamental step. A specialized surgeon can provide personalized information based on your unique health profile, discuss the full spectrum of potential outcomes, and answer any questions you may have.
