In gastric sleeve surgery, part of the stomach is removed to make it smaller. This leaves a vertical sleeve, or tube, about the size of a banana. With a smaller stomach, you will feel less hungry and feel full a lot sooner than you are used to. This can help you eat less and lose weight.
Weight-loss surgery is suitable for people who are severely overweight and who have not been able to lose weight with diet, exercise, or medicine.
Surgery is generally considered when your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher. Surgery may also be an option when your BMI is 35 or higher and you have a life-threatening or disabling problem that is related to your weight.
It is important to think of this surgery as a tool to help you lose weight. It is not an instant fix. You will still need to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. This will help you reach your weight goal and avoid regaining the weight you lose.
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