There’s no shame in needing a little bit of a jump start or a helping hand in your weight loss journey. You are certainly not alone. For many men and women, weight loss surgery is the catalyst that helps them finally achieve and maintain their long-awaited extreme weight loss transformation. At Mississippi Institute of Weight Loss & Gulf Coast Aesthetics, top Gulfport, MS weight loss surgeon Dr. Donald Balder offers a comprehensive collection of weight loss surgery options to help meet the individual needs and goals of each patient. One of the most popular and effective weight loss procedures available today is the laparoscopic gastric sleeve (VSG) technique. Continue reading to better understand how VSG surgery works, how much weight a patient can expect to lose after VSG surgery, and if you may be a candidate for this life-changing treatment.
Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve surgery, the VSG is a procedure designed to help significantly overweight patients lose weight. The VSG is performed laparoscopically using general anesthesia and involves the removal of about 80% of the patient’s stomach. The remaining stomach is then manipulated to create a tube-like structure. Ultimately, the VSG assists in a patient’s weight loss efforts by removing the portion of the stomach responsible for producing the hunger hormone while simultaneously restricting the amount of food the stomach can physically hold.
On average, patients can expect to lose about ten pounds per week for the first several months after a VSG, with the average final weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery being about 50 – 80% of the patient’s original excess body weight. This can vary quite a bit, however, based on individual patient factors, such as:
With discipline, patience, and a healthy lifestyle, many VSG patients are able to reach their goal weight or even their ideal body weight within the first year of their surgery. Again, however, this will depend on their starting weight and BMI, how much weight they’d like to lose, and other variables. During your initial consultation for weight loss surgery in Gulfport, MS, Dr. Balder will discuss the details of your specific case and determine what results may be possible for you.
Ideal candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are typically hoping to lose at least 100 pounds or more. Because everyone’s body type is different, patients with more than 100 pounds or less than 100 pounds to lose may still be considered candidates for weight loss surgery. Patients should also keep in mind that VSG is not their only option for weight loss surgery. Based on your current weight, your BMI, and a number of other critical factors, Dr. Balder will recommend the most appropriate weight loss procedure to help you reach your goals. Typically, if a insurance company has weight loss benefits, they often help pay for WLS if BMI is 40 or greater; or if between 35-40 with significant medical problems. We can review all this during your consultation.
If you have tried to lose weight or maintain weight loss on your own without success, we can help. Take the first step toward regaining your life by calling Mississippi Institute of Weight Loss & Gulf Coast Aesthetics to schedule your consultation for gastric sleeve surgery in Gulfport, MS with weight loss surgery expert Dr. Donald Balder today. With the most effective weight loss surgery options available in the Gulf Coast region, we are dedicated to helping all patients achieve the success they deserve.