Gastric Sleeve Surgery Pros And Cons
The gastric sleeve is an excellent solution to rid you of that excess weight, but you should be aware of the Gastric Sleeve Surgery Pros and Cons. Just like any other surgery, there are advantages and disadvantages the the gastric sleeve, so it is better to be knowledgable about the surgery before committing to it.
Everyone can agree that it is much healthier to be at your ideal weight than to be overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to serious weight related health conditions such as type II diabetes, sleep apnea, heart problems, and other issues. In many cases, these are acquired conditions due to weight problems, so the smartest thing to do is solve that weight problem.
If you have tried every diet out there and even exercised and are still unable to lose that excess weight, then gastric sleeve surgery may be your best option. Still, you must educate yourself about the gastric sleeve surgery pros and cons, this way you can be prepared for anything that may happen.
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Gastric Sleeve Surgery Pros And Cons
Thinking about getting a gastric sleeve? First, you should get familiar with the gastric sleeve surgery pros and cons. Below is a list you will find helpful:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Healthier Life | Permanent Solution |
| Laproscopic Surgery | Leakage |
| Digestive System Remains Intact | Stomach Stretching |
| No Malabsorption | Cost |
| No Ghrelin Production | Insurance Coverage |
| No Foreign Objects Required | |
| Safe Weight Loss |
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Pros And Cons – THE PROS
Healthier Life
As we mentioned earlier, being overweight and obese can lead to many serious health issues that can have a negative impact on your quality of life. If you are able to lose most of that excess weight, you will not be at risk for things like heart failure and type II diabetes. You will be able to lead a happier, healthier life.
Laproscopic Surgery
The gastric sleeve procedure can be done laproscopically, through tiny keyhole sized incisions. This means less chance of infection or excessive bleeding during surgery. This also means much less scarring, if any at all. Open surgery requires large incisions, which can leave large scars afterwards, but laproscopic surgery will leave much less scarring, and will also mean a shorter recovery period than open surgery.
Digestive System Remains Intact
Yes, a large portion of the stomach is removed, but that is it. The digestive path is not rerouted and the intestines are not bypassed. When you eat any type of food it is digested exactly the way it always has been, you’ll just be eating less, that’s all.
No Malabsorption
As mentioned above the digestive system is not altered at all, and there is absolutely no chance of malabsorption or dumping syndrome as with a gastric bypass or a duodenum switch. The food will pass through the intestines normally, and the nutrients and calories will also be absorbed normally.
No Ghrelin Production
You may think that you will be constantly hungry because you’re eating just a small portion of food at a time…but that is not the case. As mentioned earlier, up to 80% of the stomach will be excised, the greater curvature of the stomach to be exact. Ghrelin is produced in two areas: the pancreas, and the fundus (in the stomach). The portion of the stomach being removed includes the fundus which will significantly reduce the amount of Ghrelin that is secreted. Much less Ghrelin means much less hunger.
No Foreign Objects Required
This is a big PRO for many patients, because a lot of people just don’t want any type of foreign object stuck into them. This is the case with the gastric band and the gastric balloon. With those two techniques, something goes in, so that means a second surgery so that apparatus can be removed. With the gastric sleeve, no special apparatus is inserted so there is no need for a second surgical procedure.
Safe Weight Loss
The weight loss you will experience with the gastric sleeve is 100% safe. It is not a drastic weight loss that happens instantaneously, or even over a month. You can expect to lose about 60% of the excess weight within the first 12 months, and the up to 80% of the excess weight within the next 12 months. This is a gradual progression of weight loss which allows your body to adjust as the weight is lost.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Pros And Cons – THE CONS
Permanent Solution
The most important fact you should know about the gastric sleeve is that it is PERMANENT. Up to 80% of the stomach is cut and removed from the body. It cannot be put back, so this procedure is irreversible. This can be a deciding factor for many people considering bariatric surgery.
Leakage
The stomach has been cut away, and the remaining stomach is sealed up using sutures and surgical staples. The possibility of leakage is there, and the risk of leakage can increase for a number of reasons. If the stomach is not given sufficient time to heal, if stress is put on the stomach too early on, if the patient smokes during the healing process, if the staples become loose and so on. If leakage occurs, acids from the stomach will get into the blood, and can affect the adjacent organs. The leak can be remedied during a corrective surgery.
Stomach Stretching
Another potential downside to the gastric sleeve is stomach stretching. This will occur if the patient constantly overeats. Close attention must be paid to the quantity of food that is eaten during every single meal. When the body tells you that it is full…stop eating. Before surgery the stomach can hold up to 3 pints of food, but after surgery that amount is reduced down to 1 ounce, which is considerably less food. Eating habits must be changed in order to avoid stomach stretching. If the stomach stretches, its capacity will be increased. More food ingested will likely lead to weight regain.
Cost
Gastric sleeve surgery can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. The sheer cost alone can prevent many overweight and obese individuals from getting this procedure done. There are options such as paying using a credit card, getting a medical loan or financing, but many people these days will have a hard time qualifying for financing.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies do not provide any coverage for the gastric sleeve procedure, while very few insurers actually cover this surgery. If you are with an insurer that does cover the cost for gastric sleeve surgery, there are many requirements you must meet in order to receive coverage. If you can provide documented proof that you have tried other ways to lose weight unsuccessfully, and your doctor deems that it is medically necessary for you to under gastric sleeve surgery then you may be covered, but it can be a chore to prove that you are qualified for coverage.
The Bottom Line
Being overweight or obese will have a huge impact on your life, they can lead to serious health problems, and put you at a high risk of developing those conditions. Losing that excess weight can be a life changing decision. In our opinion, the advantages and benefits of gastric sleeve surgery far outweigh the negative aspects. Nothing can compare to leading a healthy life. If you are considering bariatric surgery as a solution to your weight problems, speak with your doctor and find out the gastric sleeve surgery pros and cons.
