Gastric Bands, Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes
November 28, 2023
The Role Of Exercise & Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
December 20, 2023
Although Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a relatively minor operation, undertaking it is still a major lifestyle change that needs careful consideration. Whether you’re curious about the gastric sleeve procedure, considering it as an option, or simply seeking information, we trust our latest blog will prove a useful read. As with all surgery, we recommend seeking advice from your doctor before making any decisions.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Requirements
In a world where health and wellness are at the forefront of our priorities, opting for gastric sleeve surgery has become prominent as a viable path to achieving more successful weight-loss control. In our latest blog, we delve into this discussion and aim to provide insights into the criteria that make an individual an ideal candidate for gastric band surgery. From exploring the potential benefits to addressing common misconceptions, Obesity Solutions can help you understand if this surgical intervention is the right choice for you with a free consultation.
Qualifications For Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric Sleeve surgery is not the right solution for everyone. Qualifying for it involves meeting specific criteria to ensure the operation’s safety and effectiveness. The operation is only recommended for individuals within specific BMI (Body Mass Index) brackets, for example, and it also requires a commitment to lifestyle changes for it to work.
As a result, candidates will typically undergo thorough evaluations, including medical assessments and consultations with healthcare professionals, to determine if it is appropriate for individual patients. Behavioural and psychological factors will also be considered because surgery is only part of a comprehensive approach to weight-loss management.
Understanding the overall qualification criteria is crucial for those contemplating gastric sleeve surgery as a transformative step toward sustainable weight control and improved health. If you are unsure if it’s right for you, talk to our team today.
Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Thresholds
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple numerical measure that assesses an individual’s body fat levels based on height and weight. Widely used to categorise weight status and evaluate health risks associated with fat levels, BMI provides a quick and accessible indicator of overall body composition.
The formula divides a person’s weight in kilograms by their height squared in metres, resulting in a numerical value known as BMI Score.. For example, if you weigh 70kg (around 11 stone) and are 1.73m (around 5 feet 8 inches) tall, you can work out your BMI by dividing 70 kg by 1.73x 1.73m.
70/(1.73×1.73) = 23.41
A BMI score of 23.41 falls in the healthy range of between 18.5 and 24.9.
While BMI is a useful broad screening tool, it does not directly measure body fat percentage or distribution and should not be used as a sole measure of your suitability for surgery. However, a BMI score of 40 or more is considered morbid obesity and appropriate for surgical intervention. You may also qualify for bariatric surgery if you have a BMI of 35 or greater as well as specific significant health problems like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure.
If you are concerned your BMI is too high, consult your doctor or talk to our team about your options.
Obesity-Related Health Conditions
Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery often have health conditions alongside issues with weight control. These include diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and joint pain. Choosing surgery may prove a suitable treatment to alleviate symptoms of these, and many other conditions.
Additionally, gastric sleeve surgery can enhance fertility in women with obesity-related fertility challenges. Hormonal imbalances, disrupted menstrual cycles and insulin resistance can affect egg development, ovulation and implantation.
While individual results vary, gastric sleeve surgery is renowned for positively impacting on many obesity-associated health conditions. In all cases, we would recommend discussing your specific symptoms with your doctor or other medical professional before deciding on a particular course of action.
Previous Failed Weight Loss Attempts
Controlling our body weight through traditional methods is challenging for many people. When regular approaches like diet and exercise fail repeatedly, gastric sleeve intervention might well offer a transformative alternative.
The procedure involves reducing the stomach’s size, limiting food intake and inducing weight loss. This is ideal for patients who have experienced repeated setbacks in their weight control journey, offering a chance to break free from the cycle of frustration and health risks associated with obesity. Unlike other methods, gastric sleeve surgery provides a more sustainable and effective path, promoting significant and lasting weight reduction as opposed to “yo-yo” diet and exercise regimes.
By modifying the gastrointestinal anatomy, gastric sleeve surgery not only fosters substantial weight loss but often leads to positive changes in metabolism and hormonal balance which supports a healthier and more manageable lifestyle overall.
Struggling with diet and exercise over time is typically considered an important part of gastric sleeve surgery eligibility. You should discuss your history with medical professionals as you decide if surgery is the correct option for you.
Additional Gastric Sleeve Surgery Criteria
Alongside the primary issues of weight loss, several other factors ought to be considered when thinking about gastric sleeve surgery. These typically focus on the patient’s general well-being, state of mind and readiness for surgery.
Mental Health
We often focus on our physical health and well-being, so it is easy to forget our mental health when discussing our suitability for surgery. But any surgery, including weight control interventions, will have an impact on patients’ mental health. Psychological health and a positive mental outlook enhance your resilience and will contribute to a more successful outcome.
Poor mental health could have a damaging effect without careful management. Issues such as depression and anxiety can be severely debilitating. If you have any concerns, it is important to raise them with a medical professional while considering surgery.
Age & General Health
Medical professionals consider age and general health when assessing a patient’s suitability for any kind of surgery. Older individuals may have reduced organ function and slower healing processes, affecting surgical outcomes. Age-related issues unrelated to weight control may still play crucial roles in determining gastric sleeve surgical candidacy. Balancing the benefits of the procedure against potential risks becomes essential.
Even for a relatively straightforward operation, such as a gastric sleeve fitting, medical professionals need to tailor interventions to reflect the age of the patient. They need to be confident surgery is the safest and most effective course of action.
Motivation and Long-Term Commitment
Gastric sleeve surgery does not solve weight control problems in isolation. It will only be effective if the patient commits to supporting lifestyle changes once surgery is complete.
To enjoy ongoing success, patients must, for example, adopt a nutrient-dense, portion-controlled diet. Regular exercise also becomes important to maintain weight loss and overall health. Hydration is essential, with patients encouraged to sip water throughout the day.
Surgery, therefore, means choosing mindful eating and a balanced active lifestyle. Regular medical follow-ups support ongoing adjustments and health monitoring will need to become part of your routine too.
Changes to your lifestyle are factors in deciding whether gastric sleeve surgery is for you. If you are unprepared to accept a new routine, it is unlikely surgery will be successful in the long term.
The Consultation Process: Gastric Sleeve Surgery Eligibility
It is vital you discuss your weight control plans with your doctor before chatting with other medical professionals so you can make an educated decision about the right route forward.
At Obesity Solutions, our experienced team of medical experts, nutritionists, and fitness specialists can guide you every step of the way. Alongside your doctor, we can answer questions about the complexities of obesity and its impact on your physical and mental well-being. We can talk you through your options including gastric sleeve surgery or any of the other services we provide. By combining medical expertise with compassionate care, we will help you to make informed decisions and embrace positive lifestyle changes.
The process starts by contacting us through the website. We can establish if you’re a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery. If you are, we can discuss the benefits of choosing to have the surgery at our state-of-the-art clinics.
