About Sleeve Gastrectomy
The sleeve gastrectomy procedure, performed by Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas/Ft. Worth, involves surgically removing a portion of the stomach in order to reduce its size. By doing this, Dr. Barker can diminish a patient's appetite and slow his or her calorie intake, making significant weight loss possible. Gastric sleeve surgery is a laparoscopic procedure, meaning that it is performed through a small "keyhole" incision.
During sleeve gastrectomy, Dr. Barker makes a vertical incision along the stomach, removing most of the widest part of the stomach and reducing its volume by up to 70 percent; the remaining portion is shaped much like a cylinder or sleeve. The gastric sleeve procedure leaves the stomach's connections to the esophagus and intestines intact, thereby reducing the risk of complications.
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Surgical Alternatives to the Gastric Sleeve
Sleeve gastrectomy is most often performed at our Dallas/Ft. Worth clinic on patients who are too overweight for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Because the procedure does not require interrupting and reconnecting the digestive tract, as gastric bypass surgery does, the gastric sleeve option is less invasive for these patients. If necessary, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can be performed after patients have achieved some success with sleeve gastrectomy for additional weight loss.
Some patients also prefer sleeve gastrectomy to the REALIZE Adjustable Band or the LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Band surgery, because the sleeve gastrectomy does not involve leaving a foreign object (the gastric band) inside the body. Still, the REALIZE Adjustable Band, LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Band, and gastric bypass are the best options for many patients. Dr. Barker works closely with each patient to determine which weight loss surgery is appropriate for him or her. Contact Dr. Barker to schedule a consultation to learn which procedure will best meet your needs.
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Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy
The most important benefit of sleeve gastrectomy is that it allows patients who have been unable to control their weight through a combination of diet and exercise to achieve rapid, dramatic weight loss. Maintaining an appropriate weight is an important part of living in good health – avoiding heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and the many other medical problems associated with obesity. Most gastric sleeve patients also enjoy dramatically improved energy and self-esteem, as they are able to fully enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle after surgery.
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Gastric Sleeve Risks and Complications
Sleeve gastrectomy shares many risks with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the REALIZE Adjustable Band surgery, and the LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Band surgery, but is one of the safest surgical weight loss options available. Though sleeve gastrectomy is very safe and serious problems are rare, it is a major surgery and complications are still possible, including:
Stomach Leakage – Some patients experience stomach leakage as a result of poor healing after sleeve gastrectomy, and require revisional surgery at our Dallas/Ft. Worth surgical facility.
Gastric Sleeve Dilation – Over time, the patient's stomach occasionally stretches, expanding in volume and allowing more food intake. Patients who experience this may regain some weight.
Gastrointestinal Problems – When gastric sleeve patients eat more than their stomach can hold comfortably they risk significant discomfort, including vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Stalled Weight Loss – Because sleeve gastrectomy is not a reversible procedure, Dr. Barker's Dallas/Ft. Worth area patients must be prepared to accept a limited diet. Failing to follow the prescribed diet may cause significant problems and stall weight loss.
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Contact Dr. Wade Barker about Gastric Sleeve
Sleeve gastrectomy from Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas/Ft. Worth is a safe, effective surgical weight loss option that allows obese individuals to achieve a healthier weight and live life more fully. If you are interested in learning about gastric sleeve surgery, please contact Dr. Barker today to schedule a consultation.
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For more information about gastric bypass surgery, contact our bariatric surgery center in Dallas/Ft. Worth today.