Best Sleeve Gastrectomy in Orange County

Why it is Done

The purpose of the procedure is to aid obese patients in losing weight. Oftentimes, those considering the surgery have at least one obesity-related complication that is potentially life-threatening. Such complications may include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• High blood pressure
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Infertility

In most cases, this procedure is only done after the patient has improved their diet and exercise habits to try and lose weight. The following are common guidelines for candidacy:

• A body mass index of at least 40
• A body mass index ranging from 35 to 39.9 with at least one obesity-related complication

Preparation

Prior to having the best sleeve gastrectomy in Orange County, it is important that patients properly prepare. Certain medications, such as those that thin the blood or lower blood sugar, may need to be altered before the procedure. The doctor will inform patients about any food or drink restrictions.

In general, patients should have a diet and exercise program ready to go that they will follow after the surgery. Quitting smoking might also be required.

Procedure

This procedure will remove approximately 80 percent of the patient’s stomach. They are then left with a banana-shaped pouch for a stomach. With this much smaller stomach, patients are forced to eat considerably less food than they are used to.

The procedure is typically done laparoscopically, meaning using several smaller incisions instead of one large one. However, there are cases where patients have to be opened fully for the procedure to be done. The surgeon will create a narrow sleeve by removing the curved part of the stomach and stapling the remainder vertically. Patients are put under general anesthesia for this procedure.

Following surgery, patients usually spend at least a few days in the hospital to recover and be monitored. They are then sent home with comprehensive recovery instructions.

Risks and Recovery

Since this is a surgical procedure, there are some risks that patients should be aware of concerning the actual surgical procedure:

• Excessive bleeding
• Adverse anesthesia reactions
• Infection

Over the long-term, there are complications patients may experience:

• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Malnutrition
• Hernias
• Low blood sugar

Severe side effects are not common, and you should speak with your doctor if you experience any of them.

Those who have the best sleeve gastrectomy in Orange County can lose an average of 20 percent of their body weight during the first year following the surgery when they fully comply with all post-surgical instructions. With this basic information, it will be easier for patients to determine if this bariatric procedure is best for them. The next step is to find an experienced surgeon to perform the best sleeve gastrectomy in Orange County.