Am I a candidate for VSG Surgery if I am allergic to latex but otherwise qualified?

Question

I know the surgery doesn't leave anything in the body except staples but is there any part of the surgery (tubes,sutures etc) that uses latex? 5.3 288 lbs

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question and congratulations on considering this life changing surgery! Fortunately a latex allergy does not disqualify from be a potential candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.
In person or video consultation with a bariatric (obesity) surgeon will provide you further insight as to whether the gastric sleeve may be a useful treatment for your obesity.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery primarily involves removing a portion of the stomach and stapling the remaining section. The staples themselves are made of surgical-grade materials, typically titanium or other metals, and do not contain latex. Standard surgical sutures, drains, or tubing used during or after the procedure may vary, and some could contain latex depending on the hospital’s supplies.
If you have a latex allergy, it is very important to inform your surgical team in advance. Most modern bariatric centers, including those experienced with VSG, can take latex-free precautions by using latex-free gloves, sutures, and equipment throughout your procedure. With these precautions, a latex allergy usually does not prevent you from being a candidate for VSG surgery.
Your BMI and overall health will also be considered when determining eligibility, but being allergic to latex alone is generally not a barrier if your care team is prepared.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

BY BMI yes your are a candidate. And when ever the surgery is schedule if you are allergic to latex, every material that is going to be in touch with you or your surroundings will be latex free. Seek a consultation with a certified bariatric surgeon.
GR

Scott Moradian, DO · Answer

Hi there! Great question and way to be proactive about your qualification for Sleeve gastrectomy.   Having a latex allergy will not prevent you from being an excellent candidate for surgery... usually this is more of a concern for the OR team and your surgeon as they will have latex allergy precautions underway during your surgery to ensure a safe and smooth operation! Good luck !

Jorge Green, MD · Answer

Weight loss surgery can help you to get rid of at least 80% of your excess weight within the first year... regarding to your latex allergy, there are gloves, drains and other disposable supplies used on the operation that are made of latex, in your case they must be substituted with silicone and nitrile kind to avoid an allergic reaction

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello
Thank you so much for your question and congratulation on taking the decision to become healthier. According with your BMI you can be a great candidate for bariatric surgery; but there are other factor to take into consideration before making a decision; in this case the procedure to keep in mind would be a revision. 
The sleeve gastrectomy, which reduces the size of the stomach is probably an excellent option because  the 70% to 80% of the stomach is removed and the part that produce Ghrelin which is a hormone that makes you feel hungry. Paired with healthy diet and exercise you should have a successful procedure. 
To qualify for weight loss surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recommends you meet one of the following:
1- BMI ≥ 40, or more than 100 pounds overweight.
2- BMI ≥35 and at least one or more obesity-related co-morbidities such as type II diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease.
3- Inability to achieve a healthy weight loss sustained for a period of time with prior weight loss efforts.
Have a consultation with a bariatric surgeon this will allow you to discuss about the different procedures in details. Many factors should be considered when deciding for a bariatric surgery, is needed to check your current health status with lab work and in a consultation you can accomplish this.  Don't be discouraged and continue searching the best option to improve your health.
Good luck in this journey

Am I a candidate for VSG Surgery if I am allergic to latex but otherwise qualified?

Answers (6)

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