Gastric sleeve is used to help reduce weight as well as reduce the risk of weight-related health micro factors including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer and infertility.
In general, patients with a body mass index (BMI) above 40 are candidates for sleeve gastrectomy. Patients with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and a serious weight-related problem such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea, could be candidates for this surgery too. In some cases, if the patient’s BMI is between 30 and 34 and has serious health problems related to weight, he or she may be eligible for some type of weight loss surgery.
The patient must also be willing to make permanent changes to a healthy lifestyle. To maintain their health, the patient must participate in long-term follow-up programs that include monitoring of nutrition, lifestyle and behavior, and medical conditions.