Everything You Need To Know About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Read Time: 5 minutes
TL;DR
- To qualify for the surgery, you need a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher along with one or more obesity-related diseases such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.
- Dr. Borland specializes in offering an affordable gastric sleeve procedure for $11,300, which includes consultation and surgery-related fees.
- Not only does gastric sleeve surgery help patients achieve a healthier weight, but it can also help to improve your overall health, relieve depression and joint pain and eliminate obstructive sleep apnea.
- You can expect some initial soreness following the surgery, and it will probably be difficult to get around for the first week.
- Patients should begin walking as soon as they return home following surgery, adding low impact exercises around two to four weeks, aerobics around one to three months and weight training around four months post-op.
- Set yourself up for success by starting to develop healthy lifestyle habits before surgery.
Deciding to undergo weight loss surgery is a big decision for you and your loved ones. Most people who are considering the gastric sleeve procedure generally have a lot of questions about the surgery from preparation to life after. It’s important to talk to your doctor and research the procedure to ensure you make an informed decision on whether or not the surgery is right for you. Here is a list of commonly asked questions about the gastric sleeve surgery.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
In order to qualify for gastric sleeve surgery, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
- BMI of 35 or higher, along with one or more obesity-related diseases
Obesity-related diseases include high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. Depression, congestive heart failure and other conditions are also sometimes considered obesity-related diseases.
How Much Does Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Cost?
The cost varies greatly depending on the surgeon who performs the procedure and whether or not your insurance covers the surgery.
Dr. Borland specializes in offering a low-cost gastric sleeve procedure. The total cost is $11,300 which includes the initial consultation and surgery-related fees. Out of town patients will also need to plan for a 2-3 day stay at a local hotel.
Will I Need Someone to Help Care for Me?
You’ll need someone to take you to and from the procedure. They’ll also need to stay with you during the first 2-3 days following surgery.
As you progress through recovery, you’ll need less assistance. Plan to have someone available to help for at least the first week after returning home to take care of household chores like cooking and running errands.
What are the Health Benefits of a Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric sleeve surgery offers many benefits. The main one, of course, is that it helps many patients achieve a healthier weight.
In addition, the surgery may also help:
• Type 2 diabetes go into remission
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Relieve depression and joint pain
• Eliminate obstructive sleep apnea
What is Recovery Like After Surgery?
Every patient recovers from gastric sleeve surgery in their own way, but you can expect some initial soreness following the surgery. It will probably be difficult to get around for the first week. Follow the surgeon’s directions carefully; you’ll have restricted dietary and activity requirements.
After surgery, you’ll probably lose weight and need some transitional clothing as you drop sizes, but expect to hit a plateau and need to increase your efforts to keep shedding pounds. Setting realistic goals and getting involved in support groups can help improve your chances for success.
What am I Allowed to Eat After Surgery?
The post-op diet includes four stages: stage one is limited to clear liquids, stage two introduces thicker liquids and smooth foods, stage three includes soft foods and stage four is the return to solid foods and long-term healthy eating.
Follow the doctor’s recommendations as you move through the stages. Pay attention to your body and always stop when you feel full.
How do I Exercise After Surgery?
Plan to gradually develop a regular exercise routine after surgery. Patients should begin walking as soon as they return home following surgery. Add low impact exercises around two to four weeks, aerobics around one to three months and weight training around four months post-op.
Increase exercise levels slowly. Start with 10-minute sessions totaling 20 to 30 minutes per day, then build up to 30 to 60-minute workouts six days per week.
What Types of Exercises Work Best for Weight Loss?
The best exercises for losing weight are the ones you stick with. Both low impact and high-intensity exercises can help people drop excess weight, so find something you enjoy and do it regularly. Some good options include:
• Walking
• Cycling
• Circuit training
• Swimming
Can I Drink Alcohol or Smoke After Surgery?
Drinking alcohol and smoking are not recommended after weight loss surgery. If you currently do either, work to quit before the procedure.
How Can I Prepare for Surgery?
First, schedule a consultation with Dr. Borland to determine if the gastric sleeve is right for you.
If you decide to undergo a sleeve gastrectomy, set yourself up for success by starting to develop healthy lifestyle habits now. Make changes to your diet and begin exercising to start losing weight before surgery.
Visit your primary care physician for blood work and paperwork. As the day of surgery approaches, follow Dr. Borland’s guidelines for a pre-op diet.
If you still have questions about weight loss surgery or want to see if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you, call us at<a href=”tel:(337) 364-0809″>(337) 364-0809</a> or visit our blog for additional information. Dr. Borland and his team are committed to providing compassionate, supportive care throughout your weight loss journey.