Tired of exercising and dieting with no visible results? Then, you might consider enrolling for gastric sleeve surgery Sydney to ease your weight management journey. During the operation, a surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach and leaves a banana-shaped portion known as a sleeve. The sleeve connects your esophagus to the duodenum. With your stomach reduced to almost 20% of its original size, its ability to hold more food is dramatically reduced. Hence, you consume a limited amount of food, and consequently, you lose weight.
In combination with exercises and diet, gastric sleeve surgery offers a permanent solution to weight loss. Several health practitioners in Sydney are qualified to undertake the procedure. What should you expect before and after the surgery?
Before The Surgery
The fundamental step towards a successful procedure is consulting a qualified and professional surgeon. This also minimizes the risks and complications that may arise from the operation. Your doctor will carry out various blood tests and physical exams to determine your health status. Additionally, the professional will first assess your BMI (body mass index). Your BMI number should be at least 30 for you to qualify for gastric sleeve surgery.
If you smoke, the doctor will advise you to stop the habit several weeks beforehand. Smoking slows down recovery and may cause other issues after the procedure. Additionally, you are required to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood thinning drugs. On the eve of the surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight.
After The Procedure
Gastric sleeve surgery in Sydney is offered under general anesthesia. The recovery time may take several weeks, but you will be required to stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure. You will be limited to taking liquids. Take note that you will be required to change your eating habits for life. After leaving the hospital, you will be required to consume pureed food for about four weeks.
You will be allowed to take soft food after a month. Additionally, you should chew the food thoroughly and avoid taking drinks while eating. Moreover, drink liquids half an hour after finishing your meal.
Your doctor will advise you to consume vitamins and supplements daily. You can switch to regular foods two to three months following the procedure. Nonetheless, you can only take little amounts than you conventionally took before the surgery. Moreover, you will need to ditch sugary beverages, alcohol, and smoking. Exercises are paramount after the procedure, but you will be required to start small to avoid straining your injured stomach. On average, people lose 60% of their original weight in the course of 12 to 18 months.
Conclusion
Gastric sleeve surgery Sydney procedures offers a permanent solution to weight management, especially when accompanied by dietary changes and exercises. The procedure aims at reducing your stomach size to about 15% to 20% of its original size and limits the amount of food you consume. Most importantly, consult a professional, trained, and qualified health care provider in Sydney when contemplating gastric surgery.