5 Things You Need to Know About Gastric Sleeves

by Dr. Stephen Watson Laparoscopic and General Surgeon Specialising in

If you consume more calories than you burn, these extra calories will be stored as fat. This means that one effective way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories, but this is usually very difficult. One reason for the difficulty is hunger. If we can reduce hunger losing weight will be easier, and our gastric sleeve Perth team will help to do just that.

1. It Reduces Your Stomach Size

Gastric sleeves help to promote weight loss by literally making the stomach smaller. A ‘sleeve’ is created using a device that staples part of the stomach together and the rest of the stomach is removed. This means that it takes less food before you feel full and that you will feel full for longer. In doing so, you will decrease your calorie intake considerably.

One of the greatest benefits of this method is that you still get to eat what you enjoy eating. You also get to eat until you are full, helping you become satiated when it comes to mealtime. In doing so, it reduces the need for willpower in the weight loss process.

2. It requires surgery

Our Sleeve Gastrectomy Perth surgeon will make cuts into your abdomen, through which the tools are passed to do the job. This is all done under a general anaesthetic so you will not be aware of what’s happening. Part of your stomach is cut away and removed, and what is left is re-joined to form a new, smaller stomach. The new stomach will be around 75% smaller than the original.

3. Is it for Me?

A gastric sleeve Perth operation is suitable for people with some level of commitment to losing weight. It does still require that you follow a healthy diet and that you exercise. The procedure does not remove any excess weight itself. Weight loss will come after the procedure has been completed. It is also suitable for people that are not eligible for other weight loss surgical procedures, although other options may still be open at a later date if needed. It should be noted that the procedure is not reversible.

4. Who is Eligible?

Sleeve Gastrectomy Perth surgery is quite drastic and also permanent, so not everybody is eligible for the procedure. Those that are eligible are those that have serious weight concerns and generally have a BMI of 40 or more. Those with a BMI of above 35 may also be eligible if they have other serious health conditions associated with obesity. The procedure is suitable for people that are unable to lose sufficient weight through dieting and exercising.

5. Are There Risks?

Yes, there are some risks involved. The risks mainly involve the possibility of infection and possible injuries to organs during surgery. Complications such as gastritis are also a possibility while stomach ulcers and heartburn can also occur. While such incidents are not common, they can occur and the patient should give themselves time to heal after surgery.