Ruban Nirmalan, MD, a general surgeon at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital achieved a major milestone by performing the hospital’s 100 sleeve gastrectomy surgery on Thursday, October 11.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a laparoscopic bariatric procedure which the bariatric surgeon removes approximately 85 percent of the stomach, shaping the remaining stomach into a long slender gastric tube or “sleeve.” The operation is typically completed in about two hour and most patients stay in the hospital one or two nights. The sleeve gastrectomy has a high safety profile since it is performed laparoscopically.
“Bariatric surgery is a tool to help you achieve your weight loss goals, but surgical weight loss is not for everyone. My mission is to provide the information patients need to make the choice that is right for them,” stated Nirmalan. “Bariatric surgery is just one step along the path to losing and maintaining weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.”
Patients often seek out bariatric surgery to take control of their overall health. Results of the sleeve gastrectomy include decreased hunger and an increased sense of fullness to help promote weight loss. Many obesity-related health conditions may be improved or resolved. Patients comment that their overall quality of life improves greatly.
Having the right support throughout the weight loss journey is vital to success. IU Health Arnett offers support groups before and after surgery to help establish healthy behaviors. Along with a skilled bariatric surgeon and nursing staff, the team includes a registered dietitian to help patients embrace a lifestyle that promotes health and wellness. Studies show that patients who continue to stay involved with a support group after surgery have the best long term success five or more years after surgery.