gastric sleeve/ sleeve gastrectomy

Sleeve Gastrectomy reduces the volume of the stomach. The primary advantage of reducing the volume of the stomach whilst retaining the small intestine is that the digestive system functions normally, meaning that most food types can be consumed without difficulty, albeit in small amounts. Other advantages of retaining the small intestine are that ‘Dumping System’ will not occur, and the chances of developing an intestinal obstruction or blockage, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are almost eliminated.

THE PROCEDURE

Most gastric sleeve surgeries are performed by laparoscopy under general anesthesia, with an average of five small incisions being made to ensure minimal scarring and a quick recovery time.

The sleeve gastrectomy procedure takes around one hour to one and a half hours to perform. Once the patient has been anesthetized, the surgeon proceeds to remove approximately two thirds of the existing stomach before reshaping it to look like a pouch connected to a tube or ‘sleeve’. By making the stomach so much smaller, the patient will experience quicker satiety, or a sense of fullness, and a decreased appetite. Only a small amount of food may be consumed in one sitting but without the nutrient loss that may be experienced in other procedures where the small intestine is removed. After the gastric sleeve surgery, most patients need to stay in hospital for one to two nights prior to being discharged.

Who is a good candidate for sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
The gastric sleeve procedure is suitable for overweight and obese people with a body mass index (BMI) of 55 or above, and for patients weighing over 500 lbs.

How much weight can be lost with sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
Most patients tend to lose between 50 to 80 per cent of excess weight within the first 12 months after their gastric sleeve surgery.