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!
I want get a gastric sleeve I have to wait on my husband insurance on his new job to kick in.
I have tried everything to help me loose weight and I can loose 5 lbs and then gain 3 so I would like to loose 50 lbs and I need help and was wondering if the sleeve would work for me
Hi Teresa,
Yes! The gastric sleeve can definitely help you with long term weight loss. To get started, attend or watch one of our free seminars. You can find the information for those at https://weightwise.com/seminars/. The seminar will give you details about the sleeve and our program in particular. Look forward to having you in the program! Lauren
I had the gastric sleeve 4yrs ago and now my weight is starting to creep back, I can tell my sleeve has stretch because food doesn’t bother me as much as it use to. I read on your website that a second bariatric surgery is an option, can you tell me what that procedure is and what the cost might be?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Emmy,
We do have revisional surgery options here. Typically, the type of revision is determined by what the surgeon thinks is your best and safest option. The cost can range depending on your insurance coverage. More financial information is at this link….https://weightwise.com/financial-information/. To see which surgery is best for you start with watching one of our free seminars, then schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons. The seminar can be found at https://weightwise.com/seminars/. Please let me know if you have further questions! Lauren
I had a gastric bypass in 1982. The doctor who performed the surgery left me with my gut ripped apart and a huge scar. I’ve gained back more than I lost. Would a gastric sleeve surgery be safe for me?
Hi Mary,
The revision options are very individualized. Either Dr. Broussard or Dr. Walton will assess you and determine if the sleeve is a safe option for you. The first step to schedule with one of them is to take a seminar. You can find the schedule for the seminars at https://weightwise.com/seminars/.
Lauren
I had a botched gastric bypass in 1981. I lost 120#. But I’ve gained that back and more. Would the gastric sleeve be a safe, viable option for me?
Hi Mary, We do preform revision surgeries on a regular basis here. The surgeon will meet with you to discuss which revision would be the best and safest option for you individually. After you complete the free seminar at https://weightwise.com/seminars/ we can schedule the consult with one of our physicians.
I am revising my insurance .what private insurance do you recommend that includes bariatric surgeries.
Most private insurance companies have certain plans that have a bariatric surgery benefit. Some examples include BCBS and Aetna. It is best to discuss the specific plans that have a benefit with the insurance carrier before signing up for one.
I had a DS in 2006. I have had
Great results. I am wondering what’s different about the sleeve procedure and the DS. Do they still do the DS?
Yes, we are providing the DS procedure! Here is a link with information about our DS procedure and how it differs from the sleeve. https://weightwise.com/duodenal-switch/.
Is it possible to gain wait after the sleeve? I’ve been considering it. I’ve tried everything to lose weight.
Hi Carlos, The best way to maintain your weight loss after any bariatric procedure is to follow the program of eating and exercise made for you by our team. You will work with a dietitian and exercise physiologist closely to ensure your best success.
Hello.This post was really fascinating, especially because
I was browsing for thoughts on this matter last couple of days.