Am I doing the right thing by having gastric sleeve surgery?

Question

Hi, I want to have the gastric sleeve surgery to lose weight I have been overweight all my life. I have never been small, I have been overweight. I have reached 300 pounds at my highest but now I am 270 lb should I have the gastric sleeve surgery. I want to the gastric sleeve surgery, is the gastric sleeve surgery safe - one of my friends had gastric sleeve surgery and she passed away and she was 41 years old. I just want to know am I doing the right thing by having gastric sleeve surgery

Roozbeh Mansour, MD, FACS · Answer

Are surgeries have some risks, however, baratric surgery is among the safest major gastrointestinal ones. To exactly know what happens with a specific case, a lot of details are needed. It can be unrelated or related to surgery. It can also be due to existing comorbidities. Most complications can be triggered by a major surgery and not be specific to a sleeve or a bypass. The most common cause of death is actually weight related which is blood clots that can happen in an obese patient that has major surgery. Defining the risk and minimizing it before surgery is key.

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

I understand your concerns, especially after losing a friend who had the procedure. Gastric sleeve surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries risks. The overall complication rate is low, and serious complications are rare, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon. The most common risks include leaks, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies, but these can often be minimized with proper preoperative screening and post-surgery care.
Considering your history of lifelong obesity and previous weight of 300 lbs, gastric sleeve surgery could be a beneficial option for long-term weight loss and improved health. It’s important to consult with a bariatric surgeon to discuss your personal risks, medical history, and whether you're a good candidate. If you're feeling hesitant, you might also want to explore non-surgical options first or seek a second opinion.

Ozgun Akgul, MD · Answer

Before of all, thank you for this question. It helps to other people who are thinking like you in this situation. Sleeve gastroectomy or Gastric Sleeve Surgery is not dangerous for the people who have normal metabolism and body functions. Some people can be in danger because of their risky conditions. Moreover, there are some risks and side effects of the operation. However, they are fewer and rarely seen. If you want to have more information about it, you can share your ideas with your doctor.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

You sound like a great candidate for the gastric sleeve surgery.  The Gastric Sleeve tends to have fewer risks and complications then the Bypass surgery, with very similar results.  The IGS (Improved Gastric Sleeve) which offers excellent leak prevention as well as preventing reflux issues that can be seen in sleeve patients.

Alejandro Lopez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.First of all, I would like to change the direction of the question a little bit. From what I can read, I would say that Bariatric surgery would be a good choice for you, even though I do not know your precise height, the weight that you currently have is high. The best thing to do right now would be to get a full bariatric assessment in a consultation so you can get recommended the surgery that best suits you.
I am sorry to hear about your friend, it is hard to know without more details what could have caused her early life passing. But what I can say is, that this surgery in the right situation will prolong your lifespan as well as significantly increase your life quality.
Go for it, take the step.

Dr. Alejandro Lopez Ortega

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. When we talk about risks, we must divide these into two categories. On the one hand, there are the risks of a surgical intervention performed under general anesthesia, which are fundamentally based on the substrate of who we are going to operate: an obese and sick patient. This patient is considered at risk for any surgical procedure, if the necessary precautions are not taken. However, when Bariatric surgery is a scheduled procedure, the patient arrives at the operating room well prepared, and with a previous treatment that minimizes the risks. I think you really need to talk to a professional surgeon that way you are going to feel more calm and secure. Hope this was helpful.

Tufan Ergenc, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, First of all, I am sorry for your friend. I condole with you.Secondly, to calculate your BMI for the suitability of having a surgery, we need to know your height as well as your weight.Lastly, having fear is quite normal before any kind of surgery, however, we recommend you to find one of the most experienced doctors to have the operation as the complications might be controlled under certain experience level. I am sorry again for your friend and I wish you a happy and healthy life!

Am I doing the right thing by having gastric sleeve surgery?

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