Vertical Gastric Sleeve Side Effects
Vertical gastric sleeve surgery is a safe weight loss procedure for patients that want to a healthier lifestyle. At Oasis of Hope in Tijuana, Mexico, Dr. Francisco Gonzalez can safely perform your procedure.
Prior to treatment, we want to make sure that our patients are prepared for the vertical gastric sleeve side effects that can occur after surgery. The more prepared patients are, the better they will be able to avoid or reduce the short- or long-term side effects of surgery.
Understanding Vertical Gastric Sleeve Treatment
An alternative to laparoscopic gastric banding, vertical gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach up to 85 percent.
This procedure involves the removal of part of the stomach. Unlike other weight loss surgery procedures, vertical gastric sleeve does not require intestinal re-routing.
Side Effects
The side effects of this procedure range from mild to severe, depending on your healing and recovery period, as well as your diet and health.
Common mild side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Dumping syndrome (when food moves from your stomach to your intestine too quickly, causing uncomfortable or painful symptoms)
These side effects can typically be avoided by eating slowly and thoroughly chewing. Patients should also follow their nutritional counselor’s dietary guidelines.
If patients do not follow their diet restrictions, it can result in more severe side effects, such as:
- Esophagus damage or severe acid reflux
- Stomach bleeding or leaking
Additional surgery or more invasive procedures may be needed to treat severe side effects caused by a failure to follow post-surgical guidelines.
Candidacy
Candidates for this procedure must have a body mass index (or BMI) of over 30 and under 50. The best candidates for this surgery are those patients who have not undergone gastric bypass surgery previously.
Additionally, it is important that the patient’s heart be in good health to reduce the possibility of complications during surgery.
Benefits and Risks
Patients that undergo vertical gastric sleeve treatment experience many benefits, including:
- Reliable weight loss, up to 60 to 70 percent of extra weight
- Less risk of complications or long-term risks than gastric bypass
- Decreased or even reversed insulin dependence and Type II diabetes
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
However, there are certain risks of this procedure (as well as any weight loss surgical procedure).
These include leaking stomach acids or blood clots, which can require an additional operation.
Since there is no intestinal bypassing, there is a risk that weight gain could happen again if the stomach stretches and expands over time with a high-volume diet.
It is also important patients know that this procedure is non-reversible, as some of the stomach is permanently removed.
Contact Oasis of Hope
We are here to answer your questions and concerns. If you are ready to start a healthier lifestyle and begin a new chapter in your life through vertical gastric sleeve treatment, or any other weight loss surgery, we can help.
Our upfront, affordable pricing and knowledgeable staff make Oasis of Hope a destination for weight loss surgery candidates from America and beyond. See why medical tourism could be the solution you have been looking for. Contact Oasis of Hope online or call us at (619) 304-4782.