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What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is a popular bariatric procedure designed to help individuals lose significant amounts of weight. Dr. V. Kuzinkovas, a certified Bariatric Surgeon of Excellence at Advanced Surgicare in Sydney, performs this procedure meticulously to offer patients a genuine chance at a healthier life.

How Does the Procedure Work?

During a sleeve gastrectomy, a substantial portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a banana-shaped “sleeve.” This reduced stomach capacity limits the amount of food you can consume, making you feel full sooner and thus aiding in weight loss. The surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, which means it is minimally invasive and involves smaller incisions, resulting in a quicker recovery time.

Is Sleeve Gastrectomy Right for You?

Not everyone is a candidate for sleeve gastrectomy. Suitable candidates are usually individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35 or above who suffer from weight-related health conditions like type-2 diabetes or heart disease. Dr. Kuzinkovas and his team provide thorough preoperative screenings to evaluate if sleeve gastrectomy is appropriate for you.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy offers numerous advantages. Beyond significant weight loss, many patients experience improvement or resolution of obesity-related health problems. These can include type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and even joint pain. Not to mention, shedding those extra kilos can do wonders for your self-esteem!

The Surgery: What to Expect

If you’re contemplating sleeve gastrectomy, it’s only natural to feel a bit apprehensive. But rest assured, in Dr. Kuzinkovas’ capable hands, you’re in one of the safest places. First, you’ll undergo a preoperative screening that includes medical tests and nutritional counseling. On the day of the surgery, you’ll receive general anaesthesia. The procedure itself takes about 1-2 hours, followed by a recovery period in the hospital.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

Recovery is a crucial phase. Following surgery, you’ll be on a liquid diet for a few weeks before gradually transitioning to solid foods. Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Kuzinkovas and his team are vital to ensuring your recovery is on track. Advanced Surgicare provides comprehensive support, including consultations with a bariatric physician, dietitian appointments, and even psychological counseling if necessary.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, sleeve gastrectomy comes with potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Dr. Kuzinkovas uses the latest laparoscopic techniques to minimize these risks, but it’s important to be aware and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Long-Term Success

Sleeve gastrectomy is just one step on the path to a healthier lifestyle. To achieve long-term success, patients must commit to significant lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Dr. Kuzinkovas and the Advanced Surgicare team are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring you maintain your weight loss and health improvements for years to come.

Words from Our Patients

We’ve been privileged to help many patients regain control of their lives through sleeve gastrectomy. One patient from Sydney shared, “Sleeve gastrectomy changed my life. I went from struggle to accomplishment, and Dr. Kuzinkovas and his team were there for me at every turn.”

Final Thoughts

Sleeve gastrectomy can be a life-changing procedure for those battling obesity. With the expertise of Dr. V. Kuzinkovas and the dedicated team at Advanced Surgicare, you are in good hands. Don’t let obesity hold you back any longer. Reach out to us today to see if sleeve gastrectomy is the right path for you.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Advanced Surgicare in Sydney. Don’t wait another day to reclaim your life.

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, often referred to as weight loss surgery, is a medical procedure aimed at helping individuals with severe obesity achieve sustainable weight loss. This type of surgery alters the digestive system to limit food intake or nutrient absorption, leading to significant, long-term weight loss. It’s not an easy decision by any means, but for many, it’s a life-changing one.

Health Benefits

When we talk about transforming your quality of life, we start with health improvements. Obesity is linked to several serious health conditions, including type-2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and heart disease. Weight loss surgery has shown to help alleviate or even eliminate these conditions. Imagine no longer needing to rely on medication for diabetes or being able to sleep through the night without a CPAP machine. For many, these life-altering health benefits are worth their weight in gold.

Physical Mobility and Activity Levels

Carrying around excess weight can be a literal and figurative burden. Basic activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even playing with your kids can become daunting tasks when you’re severely overweight. Post-surgery, many patients report a newfound ability to move with ease. You might find yourself going for morning jogs, enjoying a day out with your family, or finally achieving that zen moment in your yoga class. The sky’s the limit when you’re free from the constraints of obesity.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

Obesity often doesn’t just affect the body; it affects the mind too. Low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression are common companions for those struggling with their weight. Successful weight loss can lead to an improvement in mental health, bolstering your confidence and overall outlook on life. I’ve had patients tell me they feel like a whole new person, ready to take on life’s challenges with enthusiasm and joy.

Social Benefits

Let’s face it, being overweight can sometimes make social situations uncomfortable. Whether it’s the fear of not fitting into a chair or the endless diets discussions at dinner parties, obesity can make socialising a challenge. Post-surgery, these concerns often melt away like ice in the sun. You’ll likely find yourself more willing to engage in social activities and connect with others without the constant worry of your weight being centre stage.

Enhanced Career Opportunities

This might surprise you, but weight loss surgery can even open new doors in your professional life. Weight bias in the workplace is a documented issue, and shedding those extra kilos can boost your self-esteem and your career prospects. You might feel more confident in job interviews, more energetic during work hours, and generally more willing to chase that promotion you’ve been eyeing. People often underestimate how much physical health can impact career success.

Long-term Success and Maintenance

Undergoing bariatric surgery is just the beginning. To truly seize the benefits, you must commit to a lifestyle change. This involves adopting healthier eating habits, consistent physical activity, and regular follow-up consultations. At Advanced Surgicare, we don’t just perform the surgery and wish you luck. Our comprehensive weight-loss program includes nutrition advice, exercise education, and psychological counseling. We’re with you every step of the way to ensure your success.

Real-Life Success Stories

Take Jenny from Sydney, who initially thought bariatric surgery was a pipe dream. After struggling with her weight for years, she decided to go for it. Within 18 months, she shed 60 kilos, ran her first 5K, and finally took that dream holiday where she could participate in all the activities without hesitation. Real stories like Jenny’s showcase the transformative power of weight loss surgery.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is deeply personal and requires careful thought and consultation. It’s not just about losing weight but about gaining a richer quality of life. Our expert team at Advanced Surgicare is dedicated to offering the best possible care and ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. If you’ve been considering weight loss surgery, why not give us a ring?

Final Thoughts

Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix, but it can be a vital tool in your journey towards a healthier, happier life. Whether you’re dealing with co-morbidities, struggling with mobility, or facing emotional challenges, weight loss surgery has the potential to change your life in significant ways. So why wait any longer? You have a whole new life waiting to be lived to the fullest.

Ready to learn more? Contact Advanced Surgicare today to take the first step on your transformative journey.

The Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is a nonprofit organization committed to patient safety and healthcare excellence. The group accredits providers and facilities worldwide to ensure high-quality care and results. Dr V. Kuzinkovas is a Master Bariatric Surgeon who leads a Center of Excellence. Patients at Advanced Surgicare know they are in excellent hands because these distinctions mean Dr. Kuzinkovas and his surgical facility meet the high standards for accreditation set forth by the SRC.

One of the first questions patients ask about lap band surgery is how often they will need to come in to adjust the lap band and how they will know it’s time. Lap band surgery wraps a silicone band around the upper stomach and fills it as needed to tighten its hold on the upper stomach and restrict food consumption for optimal weight loss. The band is filled with saline solution or emptied to loosen it. Dr V. Kuzinkovas offers lap band surgery at Advanced Surgicare, and adjustment appointments are customized to your needs. 

Gastric sleeve surgery not only reduces the stomach size by about 70% but also affects the production of the “hunger hormone” called ghrelin. Lower levels of ghrelin make it easier for bariatric surgery patients to control their food intake and reduces hunger sensations between meals. The combination of a smaller stomach and less ghrelin helps patients manage their appetite and trade poor eating habits for more nutrient-dense meals and a healthier lifestyle. Dr V. Kuzinkovas has helped countless people struggling with obesity take control of their health and lose their excess weight with sleeve gastrectomy.

Your eating habits after bariatric surgery will change drastically. People interested in weight loss surgery for obesity must consider their relationship with food and prepare themselves for lifestyle changes before and after the procedure. An unhealthy relationship with food can affect bariatric surgery success. Dr V. Kuzinkovas and our staff at Advanced Surgicare will discuss your diet and lifestyle during your consultation. 

Many people struggling with obesity and related medical conditions want a better quality of life and hope to achieve their weight loss and health goals with bariatric surgery. Improving quality of life after bariatric surgery is essential for long-term success. Researchers have assessed the long-term benefits of these procedures on quality of life and found people with medical concerns and limitations due to their body size see a boost in their quality of life and freedom to enjoy physical activities after bariatric surgery. 

Weight loss surgery helps people with obesity regain control over their body size and health. The choice to have bariatric surgery requires careful consideration, consultation with a certified bariatric surgeon, and a thorough understanding of the process. Dr V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare in Sydney answers the five most popular questions patients ask about bariatric surgery. 

Bariatric surgery is often a last resort for patients who have either tried and failed to lose weight with diet, medications, and exercise or quickly regained the kilograms they fought hard to lose for months or years. Diet and exercise may not work for you for various reasons, including genetics and hormones. Weight loss surgery induces significant weight loss by reducing the stomach’s capacity or size with lap band surgery, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or another procedure. Dr. V Kuzinkovas is a certified bariatric surgeon in Sydney, and he explains why obesity surgery works when diet changes don’t. 

Bariatric surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure; there are several types of weight loss surgery, and the right one for your needs depends on several factors, such as your current body mass index (BMI) and overall health. The most common procedures offered by Dr V Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare include lap band surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass. Our certified bariatric surgeon in Sydney discusses the candidacy requirements, procedure details, and results of each bariatric surgery below.