Health Benefits of the Gastric Sleeve Procedure

Health Benefits of the Gastric Sleeve Procedure

Read time: 5 minutes

TL;DR

  • The gastric sleeve is a  minimally invasive surgery that makes the stomach smaller so patients feel full with less food and are able to successfully lose weight after surgery. 
  • Type 2 diabetes can go into remission after bariatric surgery. A recent study showed that most patients remained free of insulin and medications to treat diabetes for at least three years after having surgery.
  • After surgery, a patient’s risk of stroke, coronary heart disease and peripheral heart disease decrease. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure often drop to normal or near normal levels, improving cardiovascular health and overall well being.
  • Losing excess weight with the gastric sleeve procedure can help relieve depression and improve emotional health. 
  • During childbearing years, weight loss surgery can help improve fertility. Patients who lose weight with bariatric surgery also tend to face fewer pregnancy complications.

 

Losing weight is typically the primary goal of people who choose the gastric sleeve procedure, and for good reason. This minimally invasive surgery makes the stomach smaller so patients feel full with less food and are able to successfully lose weight after surgery. But did you know there are other health benefits of bariatric surgery?

Long-Term Remission of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can go into remission after bariatric surgery. A recent study showed that most patients remained free of insulin and medications to treat diabetes for at least three years after having surgery.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

The cardiovascular system also benefits from the results of gastric sleeve surgery. After surgery, a patient’s risk of stroke, coronary heart disease and peripheral heart disease decrease. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure often drop to normal or near normal levels, improving cardiovascular health and overall well being.

Depression Relief

Obesity can lead to poor body image, social isolation and depression. Losing excess weight with the gastric sleeve procedure can help relieve depression and improve emotional health. Patients report greater vitality and confidence following surgery and enjoy engaging in more activities.

Eliminate Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Many people see improvement in sleep apnea when they lose weight after bariatric surgery. Reaching and maintaining a normal weight range frees many patients from the need to use a CPAP machine while sleeping.

Relief of Joint Pain

Carrying excess weight is hard on the joints. Weight-bearing joints suffer a lot of stress that often leads to joint damage and chronic pain. Following gastric sleeve surgery, weight loss reduces the amount of stress on joints, and many people enjoy greater mobility and less pain. Patients are often able to stop using medications for joint pain.

Improve Fertility

During childbearing years, weight loss surgery can help improve fertility. Patients who lose weight with bariatric surgery also tend to face fewer pregnancy complications.

Alleviate Other Medical Conditions

In addition to the above benefits, the gastric sleeve procedure can help to alleviate other medical conditions including metabolic syndrome, gallbladder disease and more.

Is Gastric Sleeve Right for You?

As we can see, there are many benefits of gastric sleeve surgery, but is it the right choice for you? There are many factors to consider when making this decision. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I qualify for weight loss surgery? You must have a BMI over 40 or a BMI over 35 with at least one obesity-related disease such as high cholesterol, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or arthritis.
  • Am I well-informed about the procedure? Talk to your doctor and learn as much as you can about gastric sleeve surgery before making the decision.
  • Do my family and friends support me in this decision? A strong support system is crucial for weight loss success, so talk to your family and friends about the surgery and make sure you’ll have good support.
  • Can I afford the procedure? Dr. Borland specializes in offering affordable gastric sleeve surgery. The total cost is $11,300, plus a hotel stay and transportation if you live out of town.
  • How can I get a healthy head start? Losing weight and beginning to change habits prior to surgery can help patients lose more weight after surgery and reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
  • How do I prepare for bariatric surgery? The first step is setting up an initial consultation to discuss the procedure and whether it’s a good fit for you. You’ll then need to fill out paperwork and complete blood work with your primary care doctor. The day before surgery you’ll switch to a clear liquid diet and then not eat or drink anything after midnight.

If you’re ready for gastric sleeve surgery and the benefits it offers, Dr. Borland and his team are ready to help. We provide compassionate support throughout the process and cheer patients on to get the best results they can. Get started by checking out some of our resources, then schedule your consultation and let us join you on your weight loss journey. For more information, contact us here.