Is a gastric sleeve right for me?

By Christina Ross – Accredited Practising Dietitian

With the Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) being the most common weight loss procedure in Australia, most of us know of someone who has a gastric sleeve. If you too are considering the gastric sleeve, but are unsure whether it is right for you, here are a few things to consider: 

  1. Are you looking for a surgical option to support your weight loss?
    The gastric sleeve  is performed via laparoscopic (or keyhole) surgery, taking 45-60 minutes. Patients typically stay in hospital for 2-3 nights following gastric sleeve surgery.
  2. Are you looking for a permanent (non-reversible) option? 
    The gastric sleeve involves the permanent removal of up to 85% of the stomach, leaving the remaining stomach to form a tube (known as the sleeve). 
  3. Are you committed to long-term lifestyle change and behaviour modification? 

The gastric sleeve is a tool to aid weight loss, giving you a kick-start by allowing you to control your portions as you develop healthy and sustainable habits. We know the gastric sleeve is most effective when accompanied by a lifestyle program that addresses diet, exercise and mental health. Far from being ‘the easy way out’ or the ‘cheats’ path to weight loss, the gastric sleeve requires a wholehearted and ongoing commitment to lifestyle and behaviour changes that support improved health. 

If you answered no to some of these questions, you may be better suited to a non-surgical procedures, such as the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). As the name suggests, the ESG is an endoscopic procedure, which means no incisions are required. Instead, a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted into your stomach via your mouth. Several rows of stitches are then made within the stomach using a special tool, making it approximately 50% shorter and 75% smaller volume. 

If the sound of the ESG interests you, you can find out more about it here  https://bmiclinic.com.au/endoscopic-sleeve-gastroplasty/] , or alternatively contact our team today by calling 1300 859 059 or using our online chat on our website https://bmiclinic.com.au/ 

If you answered ‘yes’ to the all the questions above, you can find out before about the procedure here https://bmiclinic.com.au/gastric-sleeve-surgery/, or alternatively contact our team today by calling 1300 859 059 or using our online chat on our website https://bmiclinic.com.au/ 

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