Gastric Sleeve

The gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of weight-loss surgery. It is a form of bariatric surgery designed to help individuals who are significantly overweight and have not had success with other weight-loss methods like diet and exercise. Here’s a detailed overview of the procedure:

Procedure:

1. Surgical Process:
   • The surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, which involves making several small incisions in the abdomen.
   • A large portion of the stomach (about 75-80%) is removed, leaving a tube-shaped, banana-sized stomach.
   • The remaining portion of the stomach is stapled together to create the new, smaller stomach or “sleeve.”
2. Mechanism of Action:
   • Restriction: The new, smaller stomach can hold much less food, significantly reducing the amount of food that can be consumed at one time.
   • Hormonal Changes: The part of the stomach that is removed includes the area where ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, is produced. This can help reduce appetite and promote satiety.

Benefits:

• Significant Weight Loss: Patients can lose a substantial amount of weight, often around 60-70% of their excess weight within the first year.
• Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions: Many patients see improvements or complete resolution of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.
• Reduced Hunger: Due to the decrease in ghrelin production, many patients experience a reduced appetite.

Risks and Considerations:

• Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Potential Complications: Specific complications can include leakage from the staple line, narrowing of the stomach (stenosis), and nutritional deficiencies.
• Lifestyle Changes: Successful long-term outcomes require significant lifestyle changes, including adherence to a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and possibly taking vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid deficiencies.
• Non-Reversible: Unlike some other bariatric procedures, the gastric sleeve is not reversible, as a large portion of the stomach is permanently removed.

Eligibility:

• Typically recommended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 30 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.
• Candidates should have tried other weight loss methods without sustained success.
• A thorough evaluation by a medical team, including physical, psychological, and nutritional assessments, is necessary to determine suitability.

Recovery:

• Hospital stay is usually 3 nights if there are no complications.
• Most people can return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks.
• A specific post-operative diet plan must be followed, starting with liquids and gradually progressing to solid foods.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Patients need to commit to long-term follow-up care, including regular check-ups, nutritional counseling, and possibly support groups.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for the success of the surgery and to avoid potential weight regain.

The gastric sleeve can be a powerful tool for weight loss and improving overall health, but it requires a commitment to lifelong changes in eating habits and lifestyle. It’s important for anyone considering this surgery to discuss it thoroughly with their healthcare provider to understand all the potential benefits and risks. If you are ready for this commitment, you can contact us from the Live Chat button up above.