Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆

For most people, making the decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery is both exciting ad nerve-wracking. Exciting because it’s the first step to a healthier, fitter, more rewarding life. Nerve-wracking because, well, they’ve probably never done anything like it before! The best way to ease any nervousness is to understand what to expect right before and right after this life-changing procedure—with a little help from those who’ve been there, done that.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱-𝗨𝗽

– 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸. As I say all the time, you will lose weight with the gastric sleeve. But it is in no way a magic bullet that melts fat off immediately and with zero work on the patient’s part. Kori, who’s nearly a year and a half out from surgery, advises that pre-op patients remember that the sleeve is a lifestyle change, rather than a diet with an end date. “(The sleeve) is a tool, and it is fabulous…but it only works if you use it properly,” she says.

– 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗷𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀. Most of my patients will have to diet for one or more weeks in order to prepare their liver and body for a successful surgery. While it can be a bit tedious, it’s also an opportunity to learn new behaviors that will benefit you long after surgery. “One thing I had to change was eating slower and drinking slower,” says Holly. “I had no problems after surgery.” Jane recommends dumping any grazing habits during this period. “Set a schedule and follow it,” she says. “If you nibble away, it’s amazing how fast the bad calories will add up.”

– 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻. It’s a good idea to have a variety of recommended liquids on hand for when you return from Endobariatric. After all, going grocery shopping may not be at the top of your to-do list. But it’s not necessarily wise to stock up on any one thing—even products you enjoyed during the liquid pre-op diet. “Don’t buy too much stuff, as your tastes will change after surgery,” says Kori. “My favorite are the Premier Protein shakes, but I hated them for the first month after surgery.”

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆

– 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵. Patients aren’t allowed to drink anything for about 24 hours after being sleeved. Not surprisingly, many report having a “dry mouth” sensation. In addition to becoming good friends with the ice chips we push at Endobariatric, one suggestion I’ve seen on our Facebook support group page is to bring Biotin mouth moisture spray.

– 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. Patients are not only allowed to walk pretty much right away, but are strongly encouraged to do so. My discharge orders include regularly walking when they get home; the problem comes when patients don’t follow those instructions well. Newly sleeved Susan admits that she didn’t have pain after surgery—until she fell off the walking wagon. “I should have walked a LOT more.,” she says. “I walked (after surgery) but not enough while at the hotel…been battling air/gas pains for quite a few days.”

– 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲. It’s common for patients to worry about a long plane or car ride just a day or two after surgery, but the overwhelming feedback from veteran sleevers is that it’s not a painful journey. One Canadian patient endured an 18-hour trip back home and commented that she was tired, of course, but not in pain. “The pain meds you leave with work great,” she adds.

Everyone’s experience is different, but one of the benefits of getting VSG surgery at Endobariatric is that patients, both new and experienced, are able to learn from each other. So take some advice from your sleeve brothers and sisters: worry less, plan for success more, and enjoy the ride!

If you’re considering gastric sleeve and have questions, get in touch with us today, Endobariatric is here to help. Contact our expert team to schedule a consultation and receive the guidance you need to stay on the path to success. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝟴𝟭-𝟴𝟭𝟭𝟱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

3 days ago | [YT] | 20

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Choosing to undergo gastric sleeve surgery (or any bariatric surgery) is a huge decision. If you’re struggling to make a definitive commitment to the procedure, rest assured that you’re in good company. And while we encourage everyone to take all the time they need in making the decision, it’s important to understand that, often, those mental stumbling blocks aren’t hurdles at all.

𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲 #𝟭: 𝗜’𝗺 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗼.

By the time patients consider gastric sleeve, many see it as a last resort after a lifetime of trying—and fail at—different diets and exercise programs. So it’s no wonder lots of people are terrified that this, their last hope, might fail too. Here’s the reality: You will lose weight after the procedure. It’s pretty much impossible not to lose weight because we dramatically reduce the size of the stomach and remove much of the “hunger hormone” housed within the stomach.

Now, how much you’ll lose is ultimately up to you. Gastric sleeve provides an undeniable advantage, but patients still need to adhere to sensible nutrition and exercise guidelines. At Endobariatric, we set you up for success in every possible way, starting with our technique during surgery and extending through things like lifetime support and detailed weight loss strategies. Thanks to all that, my patients can expect to lose between 65 to 90 percent of excess body weight.

Remember that your journey is your own, so please don’t compare yourself to others. The more a person weighs before surgery, for example, the more total weight they can/will lose. Also, the type of surgery often impacts the rate of weight loss. Gastric bypass patients typically lose weight more quickly than gastric sleeve patients, who in turn usually lose weight faster than gastric band patients. In the end, though, bypass and sleeve patients shed similar amounts of total weight—and I firmly believe in the benefits of sleeve over bypass or Lap-band.

𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲 #𝟮: 𝗬𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀—𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁.

It is. And it isn’t. Because the stomach is reduced and restructured into a sleeve-like shape (hence the name) during surgery, gastric sleeve is a permanent solution. But it can be converted into a gastric bypass or duodenal switch down the road if the patient so chooses. I don’t see that in patients I’ve sleeved, but patients whose surgeons use a different technique—a larger bougie, for example, which would result in larger stomach capacity—sometimes want to try a different kind of bariatric solution. And it’s available to them.

Keep in mind that gastric sleeve is a restrictive procedure, rather than a mal-absorption procedure. We physically shrink your stomach, making it unable to hold large amounts of food, but we leave your intestines alone. Mal-absorption surgeries like gastric bypass reroute the intestines in an effort to reduce the amount of nutrients that he body absorbs. Yes, this helps with weight loss, but it often leads to issues like vitamin deficiencies and not-so-nice side effects when you eat. That’s the kind of permanent you don’t want.

𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲 #𝟯: 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀.

Actually, excess weight can interfere with plans to conceive, while a sleeve can help you become pregnant. In fact, lots of my patients are referred by their OB/GYNs! Obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can throw off a woman’s hormones, diminishing the possibility of a successful pregnancy. Lowering your body weight through gastric sleeve not only doesn’t impede a future pregnancy, but it can increase the odds so dramatically that I often advise women to use contraception for a while so their bodies aren’t juggling the dual jobs of pregnancy and rapid weight loss.

Knowing that fertility isn’t diminished—and is, in fact, increased—is especially important for our youngest patients and their families. We perform gastric sleeve on a growing number of teens and young adults who may not be thinking about babies yet, but we feel good knowing that we’re helping them protect that option if and when they want it.

If you’re considering gastric sleeve and have questions, get in touch with us today, Endobariatric is here to help. Contact our expert team to schedule a consultation and receive the guidance you need to stay on the path to success. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝟴𝟭-𝟴𝟭𝟭𝟱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

1 week ago | [YT] | 24

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗼 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆

By now, maybe you’ve learned a bit about gastric sleeve surgery—like how and why it works. But gastric sleeve is a life-changing procedure, and many of those changes aren’t listed in the medical literature. So here are a few things no one tells you about sleeve surgery.

❞𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁❞
The vast majority of people considering gastric sleeve have been overweight most of their lives and have tried every kind of diet and fitness plan out there. I mean, who jumps straight to bariatric surgery without exhausting the “normal” weight loss methods?! But as you probably know, diet and exercise simply don’t work for a percentage of the population. To add insult to injury, bariatric surgery patients in the U.S. are often required to submit to both psychological counseling and sessions with dietitians and/or exercise professionals before surgery.

That didn’t sit well with Amber Adams, who knew she wasn’t crazy—or lazy. “I already exercised on a regular basis, and I knew the scientific way to lose weight,” she says. “My body just didn’t want to cooperate with all of the textbook methods that were supposed to work.” She was right. After gastric sleeve with Endobariatric, she lost 90 pounds.

❞𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁❞
Renee, who lost over 100 pounds after her gastric sleeve, was warned that her marriage would be affected if she lost weight. And it might even end altogether. Ha! “My marriage is stronger, and my relationships with family and friends are healthier,” she attests. “I’ve learned to take care of me so that I can be there for others.”

If you’re a parent, there’s no denying that your kids will soon have a whole new mom or dad than what they’re used to. Instead of spending all your time on the couch, you’ll be dragging the kids outside for bike rides, taking trips to the amusement park, and planning more active fun than they’ve ever experienced. Hmmm, I wonder if they’ll like the change?

❞𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱❞
It’s not just weight prejudices that keep obese employees from earning more money. Often, battling your weight saps your confidence and leaves you with little drive for work. Amber says she used to invest so much time and energy into how she was going to lose weight that it stifled a lot of other plans she had for herself. “Now, I have a lot more confidence, especially in the workplace,” she confides. “I’ve been able to move onto some more career goals, financial goals, and other things that I’ve been wanting to accomplish.”

❞𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿❞
The big things aren’t a surprise. Post-surgery, you’ll rack up wins like fitting into an airplane seat or buying non-plus-sized clothing. But the things you didn’t realize were difficult—that suddenly aren’t—can have the most dramatic impact. Amber says things like tying her shoes and even shaving her legs are so much easier now that she’s lost 90 pounds. “And it just dawned on me recently how much more I enjoyed summer this year because I didn’t sweat buckets like I normally do,” she reveals.

❞𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿❞
Tonya, who had gastric sleeve surgery at Endobariatric in July of 2023, is more pleasant to be around these days, she admits. Before surgery, her increasingly serious health woes impacted her attitude. “I never felt like getting up and going places with my family,” she says, “and while at work teaching, I found myself becoming more easily upset with my students because I was tired all the time.” Fast forward to post-surgery, and life is much different. “The greatest moments are when my family asks me if I want to do something, and I can jump up and go. And my students at school are seeing a much happier teacher.”

❞𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀❞
If you’re not comfortable in the position of “role model,” you might want to rethink gastric sleeve. It’s impossible for people around you not to notice your transformation—and consider how gastric sleeve surgery might change their own lives. Charity, an Endobariatric patient, says, “I’ve sent at least 15 people since I had my surgery.” Kim, a nurse from Colorado, decided on gastric sleeve after witnessing the results of six colleagues’ successful sleeves.

Nine of Amber’s friends decided to have gastric sleeve with us, but her husband’s decision was most shocking of all. He’d never shown much interest in losing weight until eight months into his wife’s sleeve journey. “He just looked at me one day and said, ‘I think I want to go too,’” she recalls. “I was so proud of him and so excited that he decided to do that, and so far, he’s lost 70 pounds.” (The biggest blessing for Amber? He quit snoring like a freight train.)

❞𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆❞
It makes sense that when you lose weight, you’ll improve or even resolve many medical conditions. But you don’t realize how much time you’re spending on doctor’s visits or how much money you’re spending on medications until you have more of both. Kim, the nurse from Colorado, says her doctor has taken her off blood pressure, cholesterol, and half of her diabetes medications—and she’s not even done losing weight. Melinda, who lost 46 pounds in just the first six weeks, has already seen a major improvement. “I was taken off my high blood pressure medication after only two weeks post-op,” she says.

Ready to find out what else nobody tells you about gastric sleeve surgery? Visit our website www.endobariatric.com and see for yourself what we have done here in Endobariatric for thousands of patients with more than satisfactory results, you can check it with the images that we have on “Before and after” of our patients with surprising changes.

If you’re facing post-surgery challenges, Endobariatric is here to help. Contact our expert team to schedule a consultation and receive the guidance you need to stay on the path to success. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝟴𝟭-𝟴𝟭𝟭𝟱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 28

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝟲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲

Making the decision to get gastric sleeve surgery is a double-edged sword: exciting because it can radically improve your entire life and nerve-racking because, well, it’s surgery. Before you make any decisions, you deserve honest answers from prospective surgeons.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝟭: 𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲❓
Gastric sleeve is an overwhelmingly safe procedure. There are virtually no long-term risks because gastric sleeve doesn’t implant anything into your body or prevent nutrients from being absorbed. Typical short-term risks include things like gastric leak and post-op bleeding. Medical literature tells us that the average patient experiences up to a 1% risk of any reported complication. My statistics are even better. Only .32% (a fraction of 1%) of my patients have experienced a gastric leak, which was corrected immediately, and none of my patients have experienced post-op bleeding. In fact, all of my stats are better than the average complication rates, which are already very low.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝟮: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲❓
Your surgeon’s experience is crucial when it comes to a successful gastric sleeve. Many bariatric surgeons offer a variety of different procedures and may only do a sleeve surgery once a week—or once a month! In contrast, I’ve done nothing but gastric sleeve surgery since 2006. That’s 20,000-plus sleeve surgeries and counting, each given my complete attention and expertise. As a bonus, most of the highly skilled surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists on my team have been with me for every one of them. We’ve all perfected our technique to world-class standards, which is why most other physicians can’t match our results.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝟯: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁❓
Finding the bottom-line cost of a gastric sleeve can be difficult because many doctors don’t include things like prescriptions, insurance co-pays and deductibles, anesthesiology costs, hospital stay, etc., in the price they quote. They just give you the price for the actual surgery, leaving patients shell-shocked when all the bills come in. We do it differently at Endobariatric. There’s one price that includes everything except your transportation to and from San Antonio, Texas. And we do mean everything. Hotels, ground transportation, all pre- and post-op testing, the entire surgical team, prescriptions, paperwork, hospital stay—even snacks!

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝟰: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲❓
Ultimately, how much weight you lose depends on you. Gastric sleeve doesn’t do all the work for you; rather, it provides a significant advantage that helps people permanently shed pounds—often for the first time in their lives. The Endobariatric team provides comprehensive nutrition and exercise information that takes you from pre-surgery through the rest of your life. We also offer 24-hour support, as well as social media platforms so our “patient family” can assist and learn from each other. The average patient loses 60% of excess weight—that number includes people who follow proper nutrition and those who don’t. If you’re committed to your transformation, you can definitely lose more than that 60%.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝟱: 𝗜𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲❓
Let’s put it this way: You would have to work hard not to lose weight, especially in the beginning. During surgery I remove up to 80% of a patient’s stomach, which means your body won’t be able to handle more than a few ounces of quality food at a time. Another reason weight loss occurs is because most of the area that produces ghrelin (aka, the “hunger hormone”) is removed during the surgery. So many of our post-op patients simply aren’t very hungry anymore. It’s a one-two combination that usually leads to substantial weight loss without feelings of deprivation or hunger.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝟲: 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀❓
Any physician you’re considering should be able to produce a long list of patient testimonials. Their experiences, after all, are a preview of what you can expect from a quality and care-giving standpoint. Endobariatric has video testimonials and a massive before-and-after picture gallery on our website, Facebook page from patients who are thrilled to share their success. You can also find patient reviews of Endobariatric on ObesityHelp.com. We invite you to see for yourself why thousands of our patients say things like “Dr. A and his staff are phenomenal” and “best decision ever.”

We invite you to visit our website www.endobariatric.com and see for yourself what we have done here in Endobariatric for thousands of patients with more than satisfactory results, you can check it with the images that we have on “Before and after” of our patients with surprising changes.

If you’re facing post-surgery challenges, Endobariatric is here to help. Contact our expert team to schedule a consultation and receive the guidance you need to stay on the path to success. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝟴𝟭-𝟴𝟭𝟭𝟱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 18

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗶𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲

Undergoing gastric sleeve surgery is a transformative step toward a healthier life, but progress isn’t always linear. Patients follow a carefully structured recovery plan, but missing a milestone — whether it’s a weight loss goal, dietary transition, or fitness benchmark— can be discouraging. Fortunately, setbacks don’t mean failure. With the right approach, I know that you can get back on track and continue your journey toward success.

𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆
First, take a step back and evaluate the situation. Are you not losing weight at the expected rate? Struggling with a new dietary phase? Experiencing difficulties with exercise? Identifying the specific issue allows you to determine the best course of action. Remember that everyone progresses differently, and temporary plateaus or challenges are common.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻
One of the most common reasons for missing a milestone is dietary inconsistency. Ensure you’re following the nutritional guidelines provided by the Endobariatric team. Are you consuming enough protein? Staying hydrated? Avoiding foods that slow progress? Small adjustments, such as tracking your intake or meal prepping, can help you regain momentum.

𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹
Regular physical activity is essential for long-term success, but overexertion or inactivity can lead to setbacks. If you’re struggling to meet exercise goals, consider adjusting your approach. Focus on activities that fit your current fitness level, such as walking, swimming, or strength training, and gradually build from there. Discuss modifications with your healthcare provider if pain or fatigue is holding you back.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
Weight loss is not just a physical journey — it’s an emotional one. Stress, frustration, and old habits can creep in and hinder progress. If you find yourself reverting to emotional eating or feeling unmotivated, seek support. Whether through a bariatric support group, therapy, or talking to our team of experts, addressing the mental aspect of recovery is just as crucial as the physical.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺
If you’re consistently struggling with a milestone, don’t hesitate to consult with our team. We can assess whether medical or lifestyle factors are contributing to your setback and offer personalized solutions to help you move forward. Regular follow-ups ensure that your recovery remains on the right track.

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
Missing a milestone is a moment in your journey, not the end of it. Adjusting your mindset to focus on long-term success rather than short-term perfection can make setbacks feel less overwhelming. Progress takes time, and each step forward—no matter how small—brings you closer to your goals.

If you’re facing post-surgery challenges, Endobariatric is here to help. Contact our expert team to schedule a consultation and receive the guidance you need to stay on the path to success. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝟴𝟭-𝟴𝟭𝟭𝟱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

1 month ago | [YT] | 25

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆’𝘀 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀

For many years, bariatric surgery has been a proven solution for adults struggling with severe obesity, but new research confirms that it can also have lasting benefits for teenagers. As a gastric sleeve surgeon, I’m pleased to see that a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine and highlighted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that weight-loss surgery provides sustained improvements in health and quality of life for adolescents long into adulthood.

𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆
The study followed a group of teenagers who underwent bariatric surgery and tracked their progress over more than a decade. The results showed that these young patients experienced significant and lasting weight loss, with many maintaining a healthy weight years after their procedure. More importantly, their risks for serious obesity-related conditions — including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea — were drastically reduced compared to those who did not have surgery.

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲
Beyond weight loss, the research highlights the positive impact bariatric surgery has on overall well-being. Many teenage patients saw improvements in mental health, self-esteem, and social interactions. Adolescents who had struggled with obesity-related limitations found themselves more active, confident, and engaged in everyday life.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀
Bariatric surgery is more than just a weight-loss tool — it’s a metabolic reset that helps regulate hunger hormones and improve the body’s ability to process food. When combined with post-surgery lifestyle changes, these metabolic shifts allow teenagers to maintain a healthier weight as they grow into adulthood. This long-term success emphasizes the importance of early intervention for severe obesity, preventing complications later in life.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
This study reinforces the idea that bariatric surgery is a safe and effective option for adolescents facing severe obesity. While lifestyle changes remain the first step, for those who struggle to achieve sustainable results through diet and exercise alone, weight-loss surgery can be a life-changing solution. As always, a thorough evaluation with the expert team at Endobariatric is essential to determine the best course of action.

If you or a loved one is considering bariatric surgery for adolescent weight loss, my team at Endobariatric is here to help. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝟴𝟭-𝟴𝟭𝟭𝟱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

1 month ago | [YT] | 14

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸

As a bariatric surgeon, I always emphasize the importance of diet and exercise after gastric sleeve surgery. However, one crucial factor often gets overlooked — 𝙎𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥. Quality sleep is just as essential as nutrition and physical activity for weight loss and long-term health after surgery. If you’re not prioritizing rest, you could be hindering your progress in ways you don’t even realize.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀
Sleep plays a direct role in weight regulation by influencing hunger hormones. When you don’t get enough rest, your body produces more 𝙜𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣 (𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚) and less 𝙡𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙣 (𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚), making it harder to control cravings and portion sizes. This imbalance can slow weight loss and even lead to weight regain over time. Additionally, poor sleep can increase stress levels, leading to emotional eating and stalled progress.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽
Your body undergoes significant changes after gastric sleeve surgery, and proper healing requires adequate rest. During sleep, your body repairs tissues, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the immune system. If you’re not sleeping well, you may experience prolonged soreness, delayed healing, and increased fatigue. Ensuring a full night’s rest can support a smoother and faster recovery.

𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲
Physical activity is a key component of weight loss and overall health after surgery, but if you’re constantly exhausted, you’ll struggle to stay active. Poor sleep can lead to sluggishness, decreased motivation, and lower workout performance. On the other hand, prioritizing rest can boost your energy levels, helping you stay consistent with exercise routines and making physical activity more enjoyable.

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆
• 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 – Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body’s internal clock.

• 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 – Blue light from phones and computers can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.

• 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘁 – Avoid caffeine, large meals, and sugary foods close to bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances.

• 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – A cool, dark, and quiet room promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.

• 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀 – Meditation, deep breathing, or light stretching can help you wind down before bed.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
Making sleep a priority is a game-changer for post-surgery weight loss and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with sleep issues or have questions about your recovery, my team at Endobariatric is here to help. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝟭-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝟴𝟭-𝟴𝟭𝟭𝟱 to learn how we can support your journey to lasting success.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

1 month ago | [YT] | 28

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗜𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗳 𝗜 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝟮 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀❓

Type 2 diabetes is a serious diagnosis that often inspires patients to make significant changes to their lifestyle and diet. If you are struggling with obesity and diabetes, gastric sleeve surgery can be a beacon of hope. Still, you may be wondering whether it is safe for someone with Type 2 diabetes to undergo this procedure. I, Dr. Guillermo Alvarez, understand these concerns, and I’m here to shed light on how gastric sleeve surgery can not only be safe but also beneficial for diabetics.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀
Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach to reduce its size by about 80%, which decreases the amount of food you can eat at one time. This reduction in stomach size not only helps with rapid weight loss but also has profound effects on gut hormones that control hunger and blood sugar levels.

Patients with Type 2 diabetes are often considered high-risk for any surgical procedure due to the complications associated with their condition, such as poor wound healing, heart problems, and unpredictable blood sugar levels. However, extensive research has shown that bariatric surgery can be performed safely on patients with Type 2 diabetes, provided that their condition is carefully managed throughout the process.

Prior to surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure they are suitable candidates. This includes management of their blood glucose levels, nutritional counseling, and sometimes, starting on a pre-operative diet to reduce surgical risks.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

𝟭. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹: Many patients experience significant improvements in their blood sugar levels shortly after surgery. Some may even see their diabetes go into remission, meaning they require less medication (or none at all).

𝟮. 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀: Significant weight loss is a direct benefit of gastric sleeve surgery, which in itself can be a powerful tool in diabetes management. Losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier to control blood sugar levels.

𝟯. 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Obesity-related complications like hypertension and dyslipidemia are common in diabetic patients. Weight loss surgery can reduce these risks, offering a clearer path to a healthier life.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
Post-surgery, diabetic patients require close monitoring to adjust their diabetes management plan as their body changes. This might include altering medication dosages and ongoing dietary adjustments to ensure that their blood sugar levels remain stable as they lose weight.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
For many individuals with Type 2 diabetes, gastric sleeve surgery offers a viable and safe option to significantly improve their health and quality of life. However, it’s important to approach this decision with comprehensive medical advice and the support of a specialized team that understands the complexities of diabetes management.

If you have Type 2 diabetes and are considering gastric sleeve surgery, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝟭-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟯𝟴𝟭-𝟴𝟭𝟭𝟱. Our team is equipped with the expertise to guide you through your options and support you through every step of your journey toward a healthier you.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

1 month ago | [YT] | 20

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗖𝗢𝗦❓

The reasons behind the decision to undergo vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG or gastric sleeve) are as individual as the patients themselves. But it’s usually some combination of health and appearance (no judgment on the appearance part—we all deserve to look and feel our best!).

For some women, however, the driving force behind gastric sleeve is a desire to improve their PCOS. 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗰𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 (𝗣𝗖𝗢𝗦) is a hormonal condition that plagues about 10 percent of women. Symptoms affect the outside—acne and facial hair being frequent problems—and the inside, commonly leading to issues such as diabetes and heart disease. It’s also the most common cause of infertility in women, as it affects the ability to ovulate.

Scientists don’t have a great explanation for why some women get PCOS, though it seems to be a lovely mix of genetics and behavioral factors. About half of PCOS patients are morbidly obese, which leaves a chicken-and-egg conundrum: which came first, the PCOS or the weight?

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗖𝗢𝗦 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀: 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀. I receive many referrals from OB/GYNs because their patients are stuck in a Catch-22 situation wherein they desperately need to lose weight in order to become pregnant or relieve serious health issues, but PCOS is making it nearly impossible to do so.

While it’s typically difficult for PCOS patients to lose weight, the good news is that VSG often can help when other avenues don’t work. Shedding a significant amount of weight is the gold-standard when it comes to experiencing fewer PCOS symptoms. And, yes, it usually takes a substantial reduction—not a few pounds—before symptoms improve, especially if your goal is to become pregnant. The kind of weight loss that happens with gastric sleeve.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀: One study found that every participant who’d been unable to get pregnant before bariatric surgery was able to conceive within three years of undergoing a procedure.

I do want to add a word of warning here. It’s certainly possible to get pregnant right after gastric sleeve, but I don’t recommend it. Why? Your body needs time to heal and get to a more stable weight before adding the stress of pregnancy. My advice for women is to wait about twelve months; like everything else related to gastric sleeve, though, I always provide personalized recommendations for each patient.

𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗖𝗢𝗦, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲-𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲-𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴❗) 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗖𝗢𝗦 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. With the return of normal ovulation, pregnancy becomes possible. And those nine months will likely be healthier for both mom and baby, thanks to a reduction or elimination of complications often brought on by obesity during pregnancy.

Whether PCOS patients hope to achieve pregnancy or improve other health issues, know that having PCOS won’t complicate the VSG itself or the recovery. Again, everyone is different, but in general, PCOS doesn’t raise your risk for side effects.

If you have PCOS and are interesting in finding out how gastric sleeve can help, get in touch! We’d love to get to know your unique story and explore all the ways Endobariatric can help you achieve your dreams.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

1 month ago | [YT] | 25

Dr. Alvarez | Gastric Sleeve

NEW BLOG | 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲❓

As a bariatric surgeon, my primary concern is to help my patients lead long, healthy, happy lives. However, I understand that for many of my patients, the first question is how much weight they can expect to lose through gastric sleeve. Looking better and feeling better usually go hand in hand, and the good news is both are attainable with gastric sleeve.

Having performed over 𝟮𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, I have seen many patients join the “Century Club” (lose more than 100 pounds). Here is what you should keep in mind about weight loss from gastric sleeve:

𝗜𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
I am not trying to dodge the question — it really is not possible to say how much weight you will lose with gastric sleeve, given that each patient can respond differently to the surgery. Your starting weight is more indicative of how many pounds you can take off over time.

𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀
With all of this in mind, what I can do is describe to you some of the average weight loss figures I see with my patients after they undergo gastric sleeve surgery. Most patients will lose an average of two to four pounds per week for the first six months to a year. You can expect the biggest weight loss to come in the first month due to the sternest dietary restrictions.

For additional context, the average patient loses 60 to 70 percent of his or her excess weight (the weight above their goal weight) by the end of the first year.

𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀
If you are hoping to get the best results possible following gastric sleeve surgery, much will depend on your own post-surgery efforts. While the weight will come off more easily at first, it is usually the patients who stick to a healthy, calorie-conscious diet a year (and more) later that will continue to see the pounds disappear. Exercising will also help to enhance your weight loss, although I recommend waiting about two months after receiving gastric sleeve before doing anything strenuous.

𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
To learn more about what gastric sleeve can do for your body and the kind of weight loss you can expect from the surgery, please contact my office by calling 1-800-381-8115. My team and I are happy to answer any questions and arrange for a consultation to set your weight loss journey in motion.

I invite you to follow us on all our social media, we are on 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 (𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘), and to see my daily routine follow me on 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯) and my 𝙏𝙞𝙠𝙏𝙤𝙠 (@𝙜𝙢𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡).

“𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨…𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚”

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 31