Who is the right candidate for sleeve gastrectomy?

The eligibility criteria for sleeve gastrectomy may vary slightly depending on factors such as the guidelines of the specific medical institution and the surgeon’s recommendations. However, here are some general considerations that can help determine whether someone is a suitable candidate for sleeve gastrectomy:

• Body Mass Index (BMI): Sleeve gastrectomy is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with significant obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. It may also be considered for individuals with a BMI of 30-34.9 who have uncontrolled diabetes.
• Failed attempts at weight loss: Candidates for sleeve gastrectomy have usually tried other methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, without achieving sustainable results. The procedure is often considered when other weight loss interventions have been unsuccessful.
• Commitment to lifestyle changes: Sleeve gastrectomy requires a lifelong commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes. Candidates should be willing to make necessary adjustments to their eating habits, engage in regular physical activity, and follow postoperative guidelines to achieve long-term success.
• Understanding the risks and benefits: Candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of the risks, potential complications, and benefits associated with sleeve gastrectomy. This understanding helps individuals make an informed decision about whether the procedure is right for them.
• Medical evaluation: Candidates undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess their overall health and identify any contraindications or underlying conditions that may affect the safety or outcome of the surgery. This evaluation may include assessments of cardiovascular health, pulmonary function, and any other relevant medical factors.

It’s important to note that the decision to undergo sleeve gastrectomy should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional or bariatric surgeon. They can evaluate your individual circumstances, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and current health status.

How Sleeve Gastrectomy Works

Sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery that involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach to reduce its capacity. The procedure works by limiting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time and also by reducing the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

When the stomach is reduced in size, it can only hold a small amount of food. This means that the individual will feel full more quickly, and they will eat smaller portions. Additionally, the smaller stomach size causes the food to be processed more slowly, which means that the individual will feel fuller for longer periods of time.

The removal of a portion of the stomach also reduces the production of ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger to the brain. With less ghrelin being produced, the individual will feel less hungry overall, and this can lead to a reduction in the number of calories consumed.

Overall, sleeve gastrectomy works by reducing the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, slowing 

Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy on hunger hormones

Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgery that involves removing a portion of the stomach, resulting in a smaller stomach size and reduced food intake. This surgery has been shown to have a significant effect on hunger hormones, leading to changes in appetite and food intake.

One of the primary hunger hormones affected by sleeve gastrectomy is ghrelin, also known as the “hunger hormone.” Ghrelin is produced in the stomach and stimulates appetite. Following sleeve gastrectomy, there is a decrease in ghrelin levels due to the removal of the portion of the stomach that produces the hormone. This reduction in ghrelin levels can lead to a decrease in appetite and food intake.

Overall, sleeve gastrectomy has a significant impact on hunger hormones, leading to changes in appetite and food intake that can contribute to weight loss and improved metabolic health. These hormonal changes play a critical role in the success of bariatric surgery in treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Why are injectable weight loss medications not a substitute to weight loss surgery

There are FDA-approved injectable medications for the treatment of obesity and can lead to significant weight loss. However, while these medications can be effective for weight management, they are not substitutes for weight loss surgery in certain cases. Here are some reasons why:

• Degree of weight loss: Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, typically results in more significant and sustained weight loss compared to such medications. Bariatric surgery can result in an average weight loss of 60-80% of excess body weight, whereas these medications may lead to an average weight loss of 10-15% of total body weight.
• Mechanism of action: Weight loss injectables work by reducing appetite, increasing satiety, and slowing down stomach emptying. They also have other beneficial effects on blood sugar control and cardiovascular health. However, weight loss surgery works through a combination of mechanisms, including restriction of food intake and alteration of gut hormones, leading to significant changes in metabolism and hormonal regulation of appetite.
• Long-term sustainability: Weight loss surgery can lead to long-term weight loss maintenance in many cases, as it helps to reset the body’s metabolism and hormonal regulation of appetite. On the other hand, ongoing use of these medications to maintain weight loss, and discontinuing these medications may result in weight regain in some individuals.
• Eligibility and safety considerations: Weight loss surgery is typically recommended for individuals with severe obesity (BMI 40 or higher, or BMI 35-40 with significant obesity-related health conditions) who have not been successful with other conservative weight loss measures. These surgeries are generally safe and effective when performed by experienced bariatric surgeons in appropriate candidates. On the other hand, injectable medications have specific eligibility criteria and safety considerations, and may not be suitable for everyone due to contraindications, side effects, or other factors.

It’s important to note that the decision to undergo weight loss surgery or use medications for weight management should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, taking into consideration individual health status, medical history, and personal preferences. A comprehensive weight management plan may include a combination of diet, exercise, medications, and/or weight loss surgery, depending on individual needs and circumstances.

Is Sleeve Gastrectomy Safe?

Sleeve gastrectomy is generally considered safe when performed by experienced surgeons in appropriate candidates. It is a surgical procedure for weight loss that involves reducing the size of the stomach by about 80% to promote a feeling of fullness and reduce food intake. Like any surgery, sleeve gastrectomy carries some risks and potential complications, but the overall safety profile is favorable.

Here are some considerations regarding the safety of sleeve gastrectomy:

• Expertise of the surgeon: The procedure should be performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery. Choosing a surgeon with a proven track record and extensive training in the procedure can significantly reduce the risks.
• Preoperative evaluation: Candidates for sleeve gastrectomy undergo thorough preoperative evaluations to assess their overall health, identify potential risk factors, and ensure they are suitable for the procedure. This evaluation helps identify any underlying conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery.
• General anesthesia: Like any surgery, sleeve gastrectomy requires general anesthesia, which carries some inherent risks. However, anesthesia techniques have advanced significantly, and the anesthesiologist takes measures to minimize risks and ensure patient safety during the procedure.
• Potential complications: Although the overall complication rate is relatively low, there are potential risks associated with sleeve gastrectomy. These can include bleeding, infection, leaks from staple lines, blood clots, stricture (narrowing) of the stomach, and digestive issues. However, serious complications are relatively rare.
• Postoperative care: Following the surgery, patients require close monitoring and adherence to postoperative care instructions. This includes dietary modifications, regular exercise, and regular follow-up visits to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or bariatric surgeon to assess your individual circumstances and determine if sleeve gastrectomy is a suitable option for you. They can provide a more detailed evaluation of the risks and benefits based on your specific health profile.

Will my diabetes be cured after sleeve gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy has been shown to have positive effects on type 2 diabetes in many cases, and for some individuals, it can result in the remission or improvement of diabetes. However, it’s important to note that the impact on diabetes can vary among individuals, and the outcome cannot be guaranteed for everyone.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Improvement and remission: Sleeve gastrectomy can lead to significant improvements in glycemic control, often resulting in a reduction or elimination of the need for diabetes medications. Some individuals may even experience a complete remission of their diabetes, meaning their blood sugar levels return to normal without the need for ongoing medication. This improvement is often seen shortly after the surgery, even before significant weight loss occurs.
• Individual response: The degree of improvement or remission of diabetes after sleeve gastrectomy can vary depending on various factors, including the severity and duration of diabetes, individual metabolic response, and adherence to lifestyle changes post-surgery. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience the same level of improvement, and individual results may differ.
• Weight loss and metabolic changes: Sleeve gastrectomy promotes weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach, which leads to reduced food intake. Weight loss itself can have positive effects on diabetes management, as it improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Additionally, sleeve gastrectomy also affects the production of hormones involved in appetite regulation and metabolism, which can further contribute to the improvement of diabetes.
• Long-term management: While sleeve gastrectomy can have significant benefits for diabetes, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the surgery to optimize long-term outcomes. This includes following dietary guidelines, engaging in regular physical activity, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and manage any potential complications.

It’s crucial to discuss your specific case with a qualified healthcare professional or bariatric surgeon. They can evaluate your individual circumstances, provide personalized recommendations, and discuss the potential impact of sleeve gastrectomy on your diabetes based on your medical history and current health status.

Why choose Torrance Bariatric Institute

At Torrance Bariatrics we provide concierge, individualized and tailored care to our patients, and one patient at a time. More importantly your surgery will be performed at a MBSAQIP accredited facility, where the highest quality of care according to industry standards is guaranteed. Our surgeons have performed thousands of successful surgeries. Patients travel from across the country to have their surgeries (whether initial or revision) at Torrance Bariatrics. Our satisfied patients and their success stories are testament to our difference. 

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