Finding it difficult to lose weight through dieting and exercise? If you are obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or at least 100 pounds overweight, you might be considering weight loss surgery, like a vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
During vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery, the surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach. The new, smaller stomach is about the size and shape of a banana, limiting the amount you can eat by making you feel full after eating small amounts of food.
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This type of surgery, called laparoscopic surgery, is usually done using a tiny camera called a laproscope that is placed in your belly. The camera is connected to a video monitor in the operating room that allows the surgeon to see inside your belly and remove most of your stomach.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is not a quick fix for obesity. It will greatly change your lifestyle, but you still have work to do. To lose weight and avoid complications from the procedure, you will need to follow strict exercise and eating guidelines given to you by your doctor and dietitian. This procedure cannot be reversed once it has been done.
Your surgeon will ask you to have a complete physical exam, blood and other tests, as well as an ultrasound of your gallbladder to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. It is also necessary to visit with other health care providers to make sure any medical problems you may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart or lung problems, are under control before surgery. Quitting smoking is also required before surgery.
Counseling is recommended prior to surgery to make sure you are emotionally ready for such a major lifestyle change. Classes are available to help you learn what happens during the surgery, what you should expect afterward, and what risks or problems may occur afterward.
Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a full range of bariatric surgery options performed by doctors using the minimally invasive da Vinci robotic system. Bariatric surgery performed using the robot allows for faster healing time, less scarring, and shorter hospital stays. Please call 718-670-8908 for an appointment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.