Representing onme of the best in the fields, Dr. Núñez Santana bring special expertise to their patients to treat obesity by modification of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce nutrient intake and/or absorption. For individuals who have been unable to achieve significant weight loss through diet modifications and exercise programs alone, bariatric surgery may help to attain a more healthy body weight.
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It is a very effective procedure in the treatment of obesity. The gastric sleeve, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy, vertical gastric sleeve, or gastric sleeve resection surgery, is an excellent option for those who struggle with excess weight and have been unsuccessful with traditional methods of diet and exercise.
The gastric sleeve restricts food intake by reducing the size of the stomach. Also, studies have shown that this procedure reduces ghrelin, which is a hormone responsible for hunger and cravings. This surgery is usually done Laparoscopically (see details), which can minimize scarring and speed recovery time.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes approximately 70% of the stomach. The new, smaller stomach is tube-shaped and retains the natural openings at the top and bottom. The newly formed stomach fills up quickly, so patients are satisfied with much smaller amounts of food.
Gastric sleeve does not require repositioning of the intestines and does not involve any devices, and is widely regarded as a safe and effective surgery that can also help treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.
The gastric sleeve is not appropriate for all obese people. Before a patient is cleared for surgery, they must meet certain requirements.
In general, gastric sleeve surgery is recommended for morbidly obese adults, defined as people ages 18 to 65 with a BMI of 40 or greater. A 5-foot-9 man, for example, would have a body weight of 270 pounds. People with a BMI of 35, about 235 pounds for a 5-foot-9 adult, are also eligible. This usually requires at least one additional obesity-related health problem. The following are some of the most common weight-related health problems:
You must also be physically able to deal with the stress of surgery. Some people have health problems that make major surgery extremely dangerous. In certain circumstances these difficulties are caused by obesity, even a small weight loss can improve the patient's health enough to allow surgery. Another key component is psychological preparation. Gastric sleeve involves a number of major lifestyle modifications that can be difficult or cause unexpected reactions.
As a result, having the proper mindset about diet, exercise, and health is critical, and most major insurance companies require a psychiatric consultation as part of the pre-op evaluation process.
At our practice we like to make your surgery as safe and predictable as possible. We routinely perform a blood test on all patients prior to surgery, this test includes:
In gastric sleeve surgery, the bariatric surgeon makes six small incisions to insert a small endoscope with a video camera and the necessary equipment to perform the procedure. The stomach is then stapled and divided, and about 85 percent of it is removed. The remaining stomach is tubular and curved, resembling a banana. It's worth noting that the section of the stomach that is removed is in charge of secreting ghrelin, a hormone that promotes hunger. As a result, patients report feeling less hungry after surgery. Additional advantages of gastric sleeve surgery include a lower risk of protein and vitamin shortages after the procedure, as well as a lower risk of intestinal obstruction because the intestines are not rerouted.
See what our patients have to say about their experience with Dr. Núñez Santana
Getting a gastric sleeve was one of the most important decisions I have made, my life took a 360 degree turn, I am a different person, healthy, agile, I like what I see in the mirror, everything has been 10 thanks to God and What to say about my doctor that can enclose everything in one word, excellence, that would be the correct word, God bless your hands always, good job my doctor.
A unique experience, the doctor and his team, an excellence with a smile and everyone super friendly, I recommend them 100% when I arrived I felt super nervous but when I spoke with them in person my fears were gone I had the gastric balloon the procedure was The best decision I have ever made in my life.
Excellent Doctor explains everything so that you have no doubts about the process, very attentive and always available to answer any questions, I recommend him with your eyes closed ... and his excellent team with their attention and treat you with great affection ... simply one of the best doctors I know Dr Núñez thank you for changing my life!
Excellent Doctor. Explanation to the letter of everything necessary and what the process entails. Unique Professionalism. He genuinely cares about your recovery, about your health and progress. Thanks to God and to his hands for giving me the necessary help for one of the best changes in my life. 100% recommended! ???????? Thank you Dr Nuñez Santana, you are the best!
Gastric sleeve is one of the bariatric procedures that offer extensive benefits to patients. After the consultation, the patient will be advised on whether this or another will be the most convenient bariatric procedure to achieve life-changing benefits.