HOUSTON, TX -- (Marketwire) -- 02/06/13 -- Dr. Sherman Yu and Dr. Terry Scarborough, bariatric surgeons in Houston at the Texas Laparoscopic Consultants, say that thanks to a recent update on the position statement released by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve, procedure has now been recognized as an acceptable option for primary bariatric surgery. Drs. Yu and Scarborough say there has been extensive research on the success and safety of the gastric sleeve, and it has been deemed an effective solution for morbidly obese patients as part of a planned, staged approach to their treatment.

While the procedure is still actively being researched, data has shown significant remission of diabetes in patients who have undergone a sleeve gastrectomy, with a complete remission in 66% of patients and improvement in 27%. Drs. Yu and Scarborough say the updated data is a significant step for their Houston weight loss surgery patients in promoting effective surgical solutions for the morbidly obese and spreading awareness about the available options.

The gastric sleeve procedure is designed to reduce the size of the stomach, thus abating hunger and allowing patients to require less food in order to feel full. Bariatric surgeons remove approximately 75% of the stomach using several small incisions and then use sterilized, medical staples to close the remaining "tube"-shaped portion of the stomach. With the gastric sleeve procedure, Dr. Yu says he typically sees significant results for obese patients as they strive to facilitate weight loss and help patients regain a healthier lifestyle.

Regardless of which bariatric procedure they are looking for, the team at Texas Laparoscopic Consultants says patients should always be sure to research their treatment extensively before undergoing any surgery. Drs. Yu and Scarborough say they encourage all patients to consult with a qualified and experienced weight loss surgeon and a dedicated practice to ensure their results are up to the highest quality and safety standards.

About Sherman C. Yu, MD
Dr. Sherman Yu graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. He has been selected as a Top Physician by Newsweek and H-Texas magazines. Dr. Yu is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, along with several other professional organizations. He is available for interview upon request.

About Terry Scarborough, MD
A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Dr. Terry Scarborough completed his medical degree with honors from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and his surgical residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, after which he received further training in a year-long laparoscopic surgery fellowship. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, the Southwestern Surgical Society, and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Scarborough has been selected as a Top Physician by Newsweek and H-Texas magazines. He is available for interview upon request.

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