Gastric Sleeve

Overview

Importance of weight loss surgeries

Who is eligible for bariatric or weight loss surgery?

Which procedure is right for you?

Gastric Sleeve

SIPS /SADI-S bariatric surgery

Roux en y gastric bypass

Lap Band Surgery

Synonyms for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Sleeve Section (reduced stomach area)

Surgically removed stomach section

Parietal gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy
Tube gastrectomy
Stomach stapling
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy
Greater curvature gastrectomy
Vertical gastroplasty

Who might prefer this procedure?

Those with intestinal conditions such as intestinal obstruction, anaemia, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiency and protein deficiency as it will not aggravate those conditions, unlike some other procedures.
Peckish? The procedure requires fewer food restrictions after surgery, however patients will have to stick to a strict diet after surgery.
Those who prefer a laparoscopic solution.

Expected weight loss

The gastric sleeve surgery, also known as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive weight loss surgery procedure. During surgery, about 85% of the existing stomach is removed leaving a portion of the stomach that is about the size and shape of a banana, or sleeve. The new capacity of the stomach ranges from about 60 to 150 cc, depending on the surgeon’s final estimation. The outlet valves and nerves to the stomach are left intact meaning that stomach function is not compromised despite the procedure.

Risks

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy does not offer as significant a weight loss as gastric bypass. Indeed there is a possibility of weight regain after surgery. Staple leakage is a very serious complication that could require hospitalization. As with any major surgery, additional risks can include post-operative bleeding, small bowel obstruction, pneumonia and even death.

Since there is no intestinal bypass, weight loss may not be as great as other surgical procedures.
Patients with extreme BMI may need to have a second surgical procedure to reach their weight loss goals.
Patients will have to stick to a strict diet after surgery.
The procedure is not reversible.

Complications are uncommon here are the percentages:

Gastric leakage and fistula 1.0%
Deep vein thrombosis 0.5%
Non-fatal pulmonary embolus 0.5%
Post-operative bleeding 0.5%
Splenectomy 0.5%
Acute respiratory distress 0.25%
Pneumonia 0.2% Death 0.25%

Some Other Interesting Observations

Surgery for Extremely Obese Patients: For patients with extreme BMIs, the gastric sleeve surgery is a relatively easier procedure to perform. As a result, the sleeve can be performed as both a standalone procedure and the first of a two part process.

Surgery for Less Obese Patients

For obese patients with a relatively lower BMI, the vertical sleeve gastrectomy is preferred, especially when conditions such as anaemia or Crohn’s disease prevent other bariatric procedures from being performed.

Patients may prefer this surgery if they are concerned about the long-term effects of bypass surgery or if they do not want a foreign object in their body as in Lap Band surgery.