Bariatric surgery with a spouse, friend or family member can be beneficial in a number of ways. The most obvious is the support and empathy of someone who is experiencing the same recovery, lifestyle changes and emotional strain that comes with a weight loss procedure. Walter and Anna chose to get their procedures one month apart and are a testament to the success of supporting each other. “If we were going to go through this, we were going to do it together” says Anna.
Dr. Folahan Ayoola, who performed Walter and Anna’s surgeries, explains:
“We see that patients who go through these procedures with a spouse, family member or friend have a better success rate in achieving their weight loss goals. The accountability, support and social aspects (such as shopping for clothes) of experiencing the weight loss journey together all play in to this success.”
– Learn more about Dr. Ayoola
Walter and Anna both had gastric sleeve procedures and lost over 120 lbs. in the first three months. “Our relationship is as strong as ever after our surgeries. We are more active and spend more time together due to the nature of our diets.
Sleeve Gastrectomy, a Popular Bariatric Surgery
The sleeve gastrectomy (also known as gastric sleeve) is one of the most popular bariatric surgeries
The gastric sleeve is a laparoscopic procedure that involves removing about 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow gastric tube or “sleeve”—resembling a banana. No intestines are removed or bypassed during this procedure, which is a major advantage of this bariatric surgery because it brings a much lower chance of developing nutrient deficiencies.
The sleeve gastrectomy aids in weight loss for a number of reasons: with the new narrow stomach pouch, it limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, and after eating a small amount of food, you will feel full very quickly and continue to feel full for several hours.
The gastric sleeve may also cause a decrease in appetite. In addition to reducing the size of the stomach, it may also reduce the amount of gut hormones produced – which impact a number of factors including hunger, satiety, and blood sugar control.
More information on the Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery
Start here to see if you qualify for bariatric surgery paid for by insurance.
