A third of the population in America has a body mass index (BMI) that is higher than usual. A high BMI – or obesity – is a chronic health condition caused by excess body fat. Dietary changes and physical exercise may help cut off extra weight. However, these weight-loss remedies may not be effective for everyone. In such cases, Dr. Chad Carlton at Lone Star Bariatric may recommend treatment methods such as sleeve gastrectomy to help in your weight-loss journey.
Risk factors for obesity
Excess weight in your body is a threat to your overall health. Obesity puts you at risk of developing severe illnesses such as:
· Heart disease. An estimated 600,000 people succumb to heart disease annually. Excess weight in your body may cause you to experience irregular heartbeats, also called arrhythmia. Arrhythmia may further result in cardiac arrest.
· Type 2 diabetes. Obesity increases your chances of developing this chronic condition when there is excess sugar in your blood. There is no treatment for type 2 diabetes, but your doctor may recommend dialysis to manage this disease.
· Respiratory disorders. You may develop breathing difficulties as a result of asthma or lung infections. Extra tissue in your throat may partially block the entry of air into your airways, and you may develop obstructive sleep apnea.
· Stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Excess weight in your body may put a strain on your veins and arteries. Damage to your blood vessels may increase your risk of stroke.
However, gastric sleeve surgery may reduce your chances of developing severe health conditions.
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
This surgical weight-loss procedure involves removing about 80% of your stomach, leaving a banana-shaped tubular pouch.
Sleeve gastrectomy works by different mechanisms. This procedure reduces the amount of food that your stomach can contain. After surgery, your body produces less ghrelin hormone, which may reduce your urge to eat.
Advantages of gastric sleeve surgery
· This procedure can be converted to a Rout-En-Y gastric bypass.
· Your new stomach functions normally.
· Your chances of developing ulcers may reduce since your stomach produces less acid.
· This procedure does not involve the introduction of foreign bodies.
· The procedure requires a short stay at the hospital. Your doctor may send you home after two days.
· There is no intestinal bypass; therefore, you will not experience intestinal obstruction.
As with any major surgery, there are several complications you might develop after sleeve gastrectomy, including:
· Dumping syndrome
· Nutritional deficiency is caused by impaired absorption.
· Unintended weight loss
· Abscess which may be characterized by abdominal pain
· Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
· Diarrhea
· Leaking as a result of stapling your stomach during the surgical procedure. Your doctor may recommend an abdominal wash and surgical repair.
· Nausea and vomiting may be a result of stricture.
· Internal bleeding
Your dietitian may recommend several dietary changes that may help reduce your symptoms after surgery. For example:
· Drink plenty of water and other fluids before taking your meals
· Eat small portions of food
· Increase your intake of protein foods such as fish.
· Avoid foods high in sugar like sodas and juices.
Obesity may reduce your confidence. Reserve a session with your specialist at Lone Star Bariatric for sleeve gastrectomy to attain a healthy body mass index and improve your self-image.
