3 Reasons to Consider Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Procedures
Obesity is a serious problem in the United States that can have even more serious implications for those who suffer from it. When weight loss through traditional means just isn’t feasible or fast enough to help the body avoid some of the prospective complications from this condition, surgical procedures might be indicated. Gastric sleeve weight loss procedures can make sense in a number of cases.
What’s Involved in the Procedure?
Unlike gastric bypass procedures that shrink the stomach’s effective size while also reducing the body’s ability to process calories by bypassing part of the intestine for food absorption, this procedure is just a little different. It involves more than just shrinking the size of the stomach, it calls for reshaping it by removing about 75 percent of its mass. The resulting reshaped stomach looks like a banana or a “sleeve,” thus the name.
Gastric sleeve weight loss procedures are considered only in the most extreme cases when immediate, lasting weight loss is required to safeguard health. Since this procedure involves actual removal of part of the stomach, it’s considered permanent.
Why Consider It?
There are a number of reasons why this surgery is a good choice in some instances. Here are just a few of the reasons why gastric sleeve weight loss procedures can be beneficial:
- The lasting effects – Gastric surgery of this type promotes rapid weight loss that is lasting. This is because the stomach size is effectively shrunk so that caloric intake is limited going forward.
- The health benefits – Obesity can lead to a host of deadly conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and more. Losing weight and keeping it off can prevent serious complications.
- Self-esteem benefits – When people are able to maintain a healthy weight, they tend to look better and feel better about themselves. Energy levels can also go up.
Gastric sleeve procedures can be lifesavers when they are performed. This surgery is serious business though and it’s best to review all options for weight loss with a bariatric specialist.