Obesity is one of the most prevalent causes of multiple diseases and conditions today, and some who are more than 100 pounds overweight often find it difficult, or impossible, to lose weight through traditional dieting and exercise methods. Understanding gastric sleeve surgery, what it can do for you, and focusing on long-term goals can change your life.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of bariatric surgery that drastically reduces the size of the stomach, and is offered as an alternative to more invasive, drastic gastric bypass surgeries. A Gastric sleeve procedure removes approximately 85% of the stomach to help reduce food consumption.

Though the procedure can't be reversed, it is one that offers life-saving benefits to those considered obese, helping them lead, fuller, more active and healthy lives. If you're experiencing medical conditions as a result of obesity such as diabetes or high cholesterol, individuals who experience gastric sleeve surgery often experience a decrease of symptoms.

Sleeve gastrectomy procedures enable your stomach to function properly and normally, although your stomach capacity will be reduced. One of the most important aspects of this type of bariatric surgery is that the portion of the stomach removed also contains hungers stimulating hormones known as Ghrelin (the hunger hormone), which will reduce your craving for food.

Benefits of a Gastric Sleeve Procedure
If you have a body mass index over 50, you may be helped through a gastric sleeve procedure, which will remove a portion of your stomach to create more of a "sleeve" rather than the pouch shape that the stomach has. After two years, you may lose between 30 and 35% of their initial body weight, or roughly 40 pounds.

The procedure reduces cravings for food and decreases the appetite, or the amount of food you can eat before you feel "full", which results in safe, maintained and long-term weight loss.


Am I Eligible for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Make sure you're eligible for a gastric sleeve procedure. If you're under 18 years old, be aware of these factors regarding eligibility, according to the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery Guide:

  • You must try for at least 6 months to lose weight on your own under the advice of your pediatrician or family doctor.
  • You may have a BMI (body mass index) over 40, with a serious weight-related issue
  • You may have a BMI of over 50 with less severe obesity-related issues

(Keep in mind that the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has lower guidelines for teens so it's easier to help them get on track for a healthier weight and lifestyle before weight-related complications arise).

Adults considering gastric sleeve are usually considered when they have a high body mass index (50 or over). However, if you're under 50 BMI and are obese, you may be considered a good candidate for the procedure if you have a complication such as Crohn's disease or anemia that make them higher risks for other types of bariatric surgical procedures, according to the Bariatric Surgery Specialists.

Where Can I Find Affordable Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Patients from around the world, especially the U.S. are venturing to Baja California for obesity surgery at the offices of Dr. Jorge Maytorena of Diabesity Surgery in Mexicali. Specializing in obesity surgery for individuals also experiencing medical complications caused by obesity, including diabetes, Dr. Maytorena offers the best surgeons, nursing staff and nutritionists to help you get back on track.

After the surgery, Dr. Maytorena keeps in contact with you via email to make sure you're sticking to a healthy diet, providing feedback and communicating your concerns, milestones and adaptation to your new, healthy lifestyle.

Costs for this procedure ranged around $20,000 in the United States, while in Mexico costs range from $9,500-$13,500. Recent studies have shown that nearly 50% of the patients who receive sleeve gastrectomy procedures in Mexico come from the United States.

Are There Risks?
Risks exist for any type of surgery, whether you're getting a root canal or gastric sleeve surgery. You can expect about a 7-day recovery period before you return to your normal daily activities. With gastric sleeve surgical procedures, there is a risk of bleeding or leakage at the surgical sites, but professional after-care and observation monitors such risks before you're allowed to be discharged or return back home.

Find out more about your options for gastric sleeve procedures by accessing PlacidWay.com, an international medical resource and provider based in Denver, Colorado.

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