An Overview of this Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery Treatment for Obesity

For those struggling with obesity who have had difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise, more doctors are now recommending bariatric surgery.  Bariatric (weight loss) surgery procedures are minimally invasive and produce excellent results in both weight reduction and in some cases resolving obesity-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes.  One bariatric surgery that has been steadily gaining popularity is gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy.  This procedure is among many performed by Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Langone Weight Management Program.   

Sleeve Gastrectomy, or Gastric Sleeve Surgery Procedure

Bariatric surgery procedures facilitate weight reduction either by reducing the size of the stomach, altering its absorption of nutrients, or both.  With sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon sections the stomach to remove approximately 80% and leave a banana-shaped stomach pouch.

Given the much smaller size of the new stomach pouch, it takes less food to feel satisfied during a meal.  Removing so much of the stomach also diminishes nutrient absorption. Both of these factors help reduce overall calorie intake which facilitates rapid loss of excess weight after surgery.

Life After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Appetite and hunger levels are significantly reduced after bariatric (weight loss) surgery.  This particular procedure also seems to have a positive effect on gut hormones, ultimately helping with other obesity-related issues such as type 2 diabetes, though how this works is unknown. Due to reduced nutrient absorption, patients are typically prescribed vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition.

For patients with a body mass index greater than 40 or greater than 35 who are also developing obesity-related health issues, sleeve gastrectomy is an increasingly popular bariatric (weight loss) surgery recommendation.

For a Meeting with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Langone Weight Management Program

If you think you may be a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery or another bariatric surgery, please contact Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Langone Weight Management Program.