Hey, did you hear the joke about the “Gastric Sleeve” that saved fat people from a life of torment from obesity? NO? That’s because it’s not a joke!

It is widely known that a large percentage of the civilized world is obese or well on their way to obesity. These people suffer from shame and embarrassment as well as the scorn of others. If you are among the afflicted then I need not elaborate.

The saddest fact of all is that the obese believe that their dilemma is a life sentence and that solutions are beyond their grasp.

Not true! This is where the gastric sleeve surgical procedure comes to their rescue!

Now, the Gastric Sleeve Pics procedure is not to be confused with a gastric bypass or adjustable gastric banding which up to this point have been the procedures of choice.

In simple terms, a surgeon removes about 85 percent of the stomach so that it takes the shape of a tube or sleeve. This operation is performed laparoscopically, meaning that the surgeon makes small incisions as opposed to one large incision. This approach has many benefits.

If you are wondering if this is for you, the National Institutes of Health require that you be at least, 100 pounds overweight if you’re a man and 80 pounds overweight if you are a woman.

If you opt for the gastric sleeve surgery you can expect to lose 50 to 80 percent of your excess body weight over the first six to twelve months after surgery. Additionally, if you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea you can expect improvements within one to two years.

As it is said with every surgery, there are risks or complications that are a function of the surgery process itself. They are:

• Blood clots
• Stretching of the stomach which can result in some weight gain
• The sleeve suffers leaks as a result of the staples coming loose
• Hair loss (reported in some cases)

Presently, the overall cost can be expected to be from $12,000 US to $20,000 US, or less if done abroad, however, due to the increasing popularity of the gastric sleeve surgical procedure, many insurance companies are beginning to cover the cost of the operation. Some of these are Aetna, Cigna, HCSC, and United Healthcare.

Even though there are many things to consider in choosing the right “gastric” surgical procedure for you, cost cannot be overlooked. The gastric sleeve is approximately half the cost of a gastric bypass or gastric banding.

A very important thing to note is that even though a gastric sleeve surgical procedure can be a life-changing event, it is imperative that you do not delude yourself into thinking that it will be a ‘walk in the park.’

To achieve success there are things that will be expected of you, before and after the event. Firstly, if you smoke, you must quit as smoking increases the risk for infections, pneumonia and blood clots. Secondly, depending on your situation, you may be required to go on special diets in the weeks before surgery.

Following surgery, you will need to adhere to a specific dietary regimen to acclimate your stomach starting with:

• two weeks on a liquid-only diet,
• two weeks of semi-solid, pureed foods
• followed by your solid foods

Your may experience some discomfort as your abdomen will be swollen and sore for several days however for those that do achieve their goals…your life will never be the same!

If you are interested in learning more you should visit www.GastricSleeve.com and
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