Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve Gastrectomy

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve Gastrectomy is an irreversible weight loss surgery performed laparoscopically, hence it is also known as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). This procedure curtails the size of the stomach to almost 1/3rd of its capacity. The new banana shaped stomach is much smaller than the original size of stomach, thus you feel full sooner. Often in high risk patients, sleeve gastrectomy is performed as a staging procedure prior to a gastric bypass or duodenal switch.

Why is it done?

Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery will be recommended as weight loss surgery:

• If your BMI is more than 60, sleeve gastrectomy is performed as an initial surgery to help you lose enough weight so that you can undergo more extensive type of bariatric surgery like a gastric bypass or duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion.
• If your BMI is about 40 to 50, you will be recommended for a sleeve gastrectomy as the primary weight-loss surgery.
• If you are older or have any risk factors for surgery like cardiac, lung, or liver problems, sleeve gastrectomy will be a better choice for you.

What happens during the procedure?

Most Sleeve Gastrectomies are performed laparoscopically under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, 5 or 6 small incisions is made in the abdomen. The procedure is performed using a video camera (laparoscope) and long instruments that are inserted through these small incisions.

With the use of endoscopic staplers, approximately 2/3rd of the left side of your stomach is laparoscopically removed. Thus, the stomach looks like a sleeve or a hockey stick. The surgery can be performed as either as a single stage procedure or first stage of a two-stage procedure for a super obese patient (BMI greater than 60) followed with malabsorptive surgery.

Unlike other types of bariatric surgery, the outlet valve and the nerves of the stomach remains intact while the stomach size is reduced drastically.

How long will it take?

Duration of the surgery depends upon the patient’s condition; however, Sleeve gastrectomy usually takes 1 – 2 hours approximately.

What happens after the procedure?

As almost 80% of your stomach is removed, due to smaller stomach, you will fill up quickly at mealtimes and eat less. Also, the part of the stomach that creates Ghrelin (hormone that stimulates appetite) is removed, so you will feel less hungry.

Post-surgery you will be put on a special diet. You might be hospitalised for 2 days and post-discharge, follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your health.

Apollo expertise in the procedure

Apollo Hospital was one of the earliest centres to start Bariatric Surgery. Our surgeons have performed over 1000 Bariatric surgeries including Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Get in touch

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FAQs

What are the advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy?

• Preservation of stomach function
• No disconnection of normal anatomy
• Shorter hospital stay.
• Most food can be consumed, although in small amounts
• No dumping syndrome or nutritional deficiency
• Around 60 – 70% excess weight loss.
• Best for the reproductive age group
• Improvement in associated co-morbidities.
• Suitable option for patients who are unfit for malabsorptive or combined procedures.

How does the sleeve gastrectomy cause weight-loss?

In sleeve gastrectomy, weight loss is achieved by restricting food intake. Hence, post- surgery, due to small stomach you will feel full after eating small quantity of food. Also, due to reduced hunger hormone produced by the stomach, your appetite will be reduced. However, it does not interfere with nutrient absorption.

How much weight-loss occurs after Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Patient who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy have witnessed excellent weight-loss for 2 or 3 years after surgery. On average, patient lose 60% of their extra weight. However, this may vary from patient to patient and regular follow-up visit with your doctor is required.

How is life after Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy can provide you with long-term weight loss, if you follow the recommended lifestyle and dietary changes. You can resume your routine activities shortly after sleeve gastrectomy. Although, you may experience decrease in your appetite, you will still be able to enjoy your food and participate normally in social gatherings.