It results in polycythemia a condition which results in high levels of circulation red blood cells in the blood stream. Hypoxia, smoking, chronic exposure to carbon monoxide or living at high altitudes are its risk factors. Controlling high blood pressures, smoking etc. can potentially reduce its risk.
By procedure, it generally costs anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 for gastric sleeve surgery, while the average cost of lap band surgery is $12,000 to $25,000 and the average cost of gastric bypass surgery is $20,000 to $35,000.
The process of losing weight through a gastric sleeve is relatively slow, sometimes requiring up to two years. For the most part, this is a very good thing. Slow but steady weight loss produces less strain on other processes in the body. While there are risks with a gastric sleeve, they affect less than 1-2% of all patients. Compared to the advantages of a gastric sleeve, which include no foreign objects in the body (such as a lap-band), an intact intestinal tract, and a relatively normal digestive system â the risks are minimal.