If you are considering weight loss surgery, especially gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass, Dr Wong has performed many successful weight loss surgeries for patients from the Central Coast.
A gastric sleeve is a surgical weight loss procedure that permanently removes and reduces the size of your stomach by two thirds. The procedure is performed via keyhole, this is known as a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. A small incision is made in your abdomen – reducing scarring and minimising post-surgery recovery time. The surgeon will pass the laparoscope and the instruments needed to perform the surgery through these openings.
After the part removal of your stomach, the remainder of your stomach is closed with staples. The operation limits the amount of food you can eat by making you feel full after eating small amounts of food. The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and patients can usually resume normal duties within a few weeks. Unlike other weight loss procedures like stomach banding, the operation is not reversible and does not involve implantation of any foreign material unlike a gastric band.
As you will be eating less it is very important that what you do eat gives you the correct nutrients that your body requires. It is very important that you keep in touch with Megan, our dietician as she will give you encouragement, support and advice on nutrition so that you may achieve faster and better results with your weight loss. She has much experience in helping sleeve gastrectomy patients that may live a long distance from our clinic such as in Sydney or beyond. Our patients have come from most states of Australia.
The procedure reduces the stomach capacity and limits the amount of food that is needed for you to feel full and satisfied. The removal of the majority of the stomach also results in the reduction of the Grehlin hormone which stimulates hunger and thus patients feel less hungry between meals. This contributes to weight loss as the patient eats smaller portions, less often.
If you are morbidly obese and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40, have a BMI of 35 and over, are at a high risk to develop life threatening health problems and have exhausted all other options to lose weight, you may be a good candidate for a gastric sleeve. Each patient is evaluated to determine their suitability for surgery and whether they understand the risks and commitment associated with the operation.
Morbid obesity can not only result in health problems and premature death, it is a huge cause of depression, increased anxiety, reduced social acceptance and it negatively impacts on your quality of life. The aim of a sleeve gastrectomy is to bring your weight down to a safer range so that most of the associated conditions are reduced or eliminated, leading to a more fulfilled and complete existence.
If you are morbidly obese and you have not been able to control your weight through conventional means, a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can help you get your life back. We take a holistic approach to weight loss and have experienced surgeons, dietitians, physicians and psychologists who collaborate together to help patients achieve their long-term weight loss goals through this lifesaving weight loss surgery.
If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery please do contact Central Coast Surgery. Dr Ken Wong, the Principal Surgeon, has performed many successful gastric sleeve surgeries in the Central Coast. For those from the Hunter Maitland area considering the surgery please visit our Gastric Sleeve Surgery Newcastle page for information on how to see Dr Wong and get the best result from your surgery.
