A gastric sleeve surgery, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the medical weight loss procedure. This weight loss surgery is an option for people that aren’t eligible or don’t qualify for other bariatric procedures. Bariatric surgeries require a BMI (body mass index) of at least 40. Gastric sleeve surgery requires you to be at least 80 to 100 pounds overweight. During surgery, they remove part of the stomach and create a new tube-shaped stomach. This reduces the size of your stomach making you feel full sooner. Thus, lowering the amount of food you can eat at one time. This irreversible surgery lasts about one hour, but most patients will be on bed rest for two or three days. Try to avoid making any strenuous activity if possible for the next two to four weeks.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery cost
Gastric sleeve surgery costs an average of $14,900. The price is relative to lap band surgery. Before committing to gastric sleeve surgery, you should determine if your insurance provider will cover you. Without insurance, the gastric sleeve surgery can cost up to $23,000. Most insurance companies will cover gastric sleeve surgery.
What to expect
After you receive general anesthesia, your surgeon will make several incisions to your abdomen so they can insert the laparoscope, a tool with a tiny light and camera that sends pictures to a nearby computer. After the laparoscope is inserted, they will then start to remove close to three-quarters of your stomach. Then they will create a new thin tube-shaped stomach to span the original distance from the esophagus to the small intestine.
Serious complications due to a gastric sleeve and any other stomach reduction surgeries are very rare. Most serious complications are likely to occur during the first month following the procedure. Complications include staple line leaks and thrombosis. Thrombosis is an infection or blood clots in the surgical wound site. Prior to the procedure, your surgeon will review all potential risks and complications with you. Before your procedure, you can lower your gastric sleeve surgery risks by exercising regularly to lower your body mass index and quit smoking.
Video Shows the Procedure of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Average patients who undergo gastric sleeve surgery lose more than half their excess body weight. Resulting in an improvement to obesity-related health problems as well as a decreased feeling of depression. Gastric sleeve surgery is great for weight loss in a straightforward manner. It does not require maintenance or have any long-term complication rates of a lap band.
