Before undergoing any surgery, it is completely natural to wonder about the safety of the procedure. While all surgery involves inherent risk, bariatric procedures are considered a safe choice for obese patients seeking relief from excess weight and detrimental side effects. Here at WeightWise, our extensive surgical experience and high-integrity, fully-integrated program leaves no stone unturned when it comes to your health. You can trust us to perform safe, effective procedures, including gastric sleeve surgeries.
The Growing Gastric Sleeve Trend
Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, continues to grow in popularity and effectiveness. The procedure reduces the size of the patient’s stomach by 85 percent, producing a banana-shaped “sleeve.” Patients have embraced this surgery in part due to its versatility, as gastric sleeve patients can transition naturally into a second bariatric surgery afterward if necessary.
Safety In Numbers
In a study conducted by Stanford University on approximately 270,000 bariatric surgeries performed between 2007 and 2010, researchers discovered that sleeve gastrectomies produced the lowest complication rate, 0.96 percent, when compared with gastric bypass and gastric banding. Furthermore, the 30-day mortality rate for this procedure was found to be very low at 0.08 percent. The best part? Patients who underwent this procedure observed a 30 percent drop in body mass index (BMI).
At Cleveland Clinic Florida, researchers have reviewed the surgery results for over 2,400 bariatric surgery patients, finding that sleeve gastrectomy has the lowest rate of complication of all bariatric surgery types. Furthermore, the percentage of gastric sleeve procedures requiring reoperation in this study was 1.5 percent, the lowest of all researched surgeries. The rate of gastrointestinal leak during or after sleeve gastrectomy, a complication that can have serious consequences, was also lowest of the three surgery types at 0.3%.
Balancing Act
When reviewing the risks of undergoing gastric sleeve surgery verses remaining obese, surgery is often determined to be the best choice. If you do not already struggle with a co-morbid disease, be aware that obesity-related conditions like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation put your body at a significantly higher risk than surgery, particularly gastric sleeve, which is considered extremely safe.
Making big changes in your life can be frightening. However, without risk, there is no success. Obesity negatively affects your life physically, as well as mentally and emotionally, and can also affect family members who care about your health and longevity. If you are looking for a safe solution to jumpstart your weight loss efforts, gastric sleeve surgery may be an excellent solution.
Unsure about undergoing surgery for weight loss? Attend one of our free, zero-obligation seminars to learn more!