Gastric sleeve is a less invasive surgical weight loss solution
Reprinted from Greater Media News on October 5, 2011
By Ayotunde Adeyeri, M.D. and Seun Sowemimo, M.D.
Gastric sleeve resection is one of the newest and safest types of bariatric surgery. This surgery is also referred to as sleeve gastrectomy, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, tube gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The procedure is performed by removing approximately 85% of the stomach, resulting in a tube-like appearance resembling a “sleeve.” The reduced stomach (the remaining 15%) is then stapled closed.
The sleeve may be a recommended alternative to gastric banding for those who can’t make the frequent office visits required by other bariatric procedures. Since the surgically reduced stomach is considerably smaller after the procedure, hunger and food cravings subside allowing for reduced food intake without hunger. Another marked benefit of sleeve resection is that it is performed laparoscopically, requiring only very small incisions. Benefits of gastric sleeve resection are significant─shorter hospitalization, less scarring, and reduced post-operative pain.
The National Institutes of Health recommends a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 for most bariatric surgeries (about 80-100 pounds overweight). However, those with a slightly lower BMI may also be approved if their obesity is causing common complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea. Gastric sleeve resection is also used as precursor to traditional gastric-bypass surgery for patients who may be very overweight or for whom gastric bypass may be too high risk.
Bariatric patient says goodbye to diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea
Before George Peters of Toms River underwent gastric sleeve resection with us, he weighed 425 pounds and needed four insulin shots and 15 pills per day to control a long list of chronic diseases—ranging from sleep apnea to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
But since his weight loss surgery earlier this year, his overall health has improved dramatically─
· Eliminated all insulin injections
· Eliminated all blood pressure medications
· No longer suffers from sleep apnea
· No longer controlled by the emotional roller coaster that comes with diabetes (due to blood sugar changes)
· George lifts weights and walks five days a week
· His improved health and energy allows him more quality time with his daughter before she leaves for college next year
“Since my knees don’t hurt anymore, I can do seated squats with about 395 pounds of resistance which was my weight less than a year ago. I remember lugging that weight around and it’s no wonder I was in pain every day.” Today, at 285 pounds, George is closing in on achieving his goal weight of 225 – 245 pounds.
Should you wish to pursue any kind of bariatric surgery, first, get the facts. Locate a board certified bariatric surgeon and meet with the doctor or attend an Information Seminar. Ask if the bariatric center or surgeon offers one-on-one pre- and post-surgical nutritional counseling with a nutritionist or licensed dietician. Finally, make sure they offer regular support group meetings that include other bariatric patients.
Dr. Sowemimo (Dr. Seun) is a board certified, fellowship-trained, advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon and medical director of Central Jersey Bariatrics located in Freehold, Holmdel and Old Bridge. He is on staff at CentraState Medical Center, Bayshore Community Hospital and Raritan Bay Medical Center. For more information or to attend a weight loss surgery Informational Seminar, call (732) 637 – 6370.
