The gastric sleeve procedure, also known as the sleeve gastrectomy, is the newest option for weight loss surgery. In the past, the gastric sleeve was performed as the first part of a two-stage procedure. The patient would undergo the sleeve procedure and later would have gastric bypass surgery. It soon became obvious that the gastric sleeve was very effective as a stand alone weight loss procedure, and surgeons began to perform it without the bypass step for some patients. Patients who have had the gastric sleeve have experienced excellent results in their weight loss and disease improvement process.
How the Gastric Sleeve Works
The gastric sleeve is a relatively simple procedure in which the surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a long banana-shaped sleeve that acts as the new stomach. With the new, smaller stomach, patients feel full on much smaller amounts of food and therefore eat less and lose weight
Unlike in gastric bypass surgery, the small intestine is not changed, so food passes through the stomach and is digested normally. This means that vitamins and supplements are usually not needed in addition to your regular meals.
The gastric sleeve is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that the surgeon performs surgery through tiny incisions – less than ½ inch each – in the abdomen, rather than a single, large incision.
Advantages of the Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Patients do not experience dumping syndrome, a condition that occurs when food is passed (“dumped”) too quickly from the stomach into the intestines. Dumping syndrome may cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness or other stomach-flu-like symptoms and is usually experienced by patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.
Patients do not have to have a band or port in their stomach.
The gastric sleeve is a minimally invasive procedure, so recovery time, pain and possible blood loss is minimal.
The gastric sleeve reduces hunger because it removes the part of the stomach where the hunger hormone is made.
Many of the diseases associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnea can be resolved or improved soon after surgery.
The procedure can be revised, either by performing a second gastric sleeve, adding a gastric bypass or placing a band at the top of the stomach in cases of unsatisfactory weight loss.
Considerations of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The staple line may leak, requiring immediate care and additional surgery.
Gastric sleeve patients have significant dietary restrictions and will need to take nutritional supplements.
The procedure is not adjustable or reversible.
Like any surgery, gastric sleeve has some potential for complications; however, these problems are not common and with help from our team and dedication to a weight loss plan, most patients see excellent results. If you have any concerns about surgery, please talk to us about them and we will answer any questions you may have.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The gastric sleeve procedure, also known as the sleeve gastrectomy, is the newest option for weight loss surgery. In the past, the gastric sleeve was performed as the first part of a two-stage procedure. The patient would undergo the sleeve procedure and later would have gastric bypass surgery. It soon became obvious that the gastric sleeve was very effective as a stand alone weight loss procedure, and surgeons began to perform it without the bypass step for some patients. Patients who have had the gastric sleeve have experienced excellent results in their weight loss and disease improvement process.
How the Gastric Sleeve Works
The gastric sleeve is a relatively simple procedure in which the surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a long banana-shaped sleeve that acts as the new stomach. With the new, smaller stomach, patients feel full on much smaller amounts of food and therefore eat less and lose weight
Unlike in gastric bypass surgery, the small intestine is not changed, so food passes through the stomach and is digested normally. This means that vitamins and supplements are usually not needed in addition to your regular meals.
The gastric sleeve is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that the surgeon performs surgery through tiny incisions – less than ½ inch each – in the abdomen, rather than a single, large incision.
Advantages of the Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Considerations of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Like any surgery, gastric sleeve has some potential for complications; however, these problems are not common and with help from our team and dedication to a weight loss plan, most patients see excellent results. If you have any concerns about surgery, please talk to us about them and we will answer any questions you may have.