top of page

Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) is one of the newer forms of bariatric surgery but has quickly been gaining popularity over the recent years. Also known as vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, vertical gastroplasty or sleeve gastroplasty, this procedure is another option for those looking to help with their morbid obesity through gastric bypass surgery. The gastric sleeve is a restrictive procedure meaning that it achieves weight loss results by restricting the amount of food that your body is physically able to take in. There is no malabsorption involved with this procedure but can be followed up with a malabsorptive procedure afterwards if the patient wishes.

 

How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work?

Gastric sleeve surgery involves permanently removing a large portion of the stomach, anywhere from 60% to 85% of the total stomach. The portion left behind is a slim tube or "sleeve" that will serve as your new stomach. This stomach is already connected naturally to the stomach inlet and outlet which means that no rerouting of the intestines is needed.

 

What differentiates a gastric sleeve procedure from other weight loss surgeries is the nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) of the stomach remain intact to preserve the functions of the stomach while at the same time, reducing the volume it is able to hold. There is no bypass of the intestines with the gastric sleeve, only stomach capacity reduction. A sleeve Gastrectomy also works because it removes the part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, which is a hormone that stimulates appetite. This helps to noticeably reduce without completely eliminating a person’s appetite.

 

Gastric Sleeve

The advantages of gastric sleeve surgery include:

  • 30 to 60% extra weight loss within the first 12 months of the procedure

  • Less invasive than gastric bypass

  • No cutting or, disconnection or alteration of the intestines

  • No risk of “dumping syndrome” typically associated with gastric bypass

  • No need for implementation of foreign devices in to the body such as a gastric band

  • Less restrictive post-surgery diet

  • Procedure may be followed by gastric bypass or duodenal switch for even better results for super obese patients (those with a BMI > 70)

  • Can be performed laparoscopically on extremely obese patients

 

Disadvantages of the Gastric Sleeve

As with any medical procedure of this nature, there is always the potential for adverse effects. The biggest potential drawback for some people with this procedure is that is irreversible and thus you must really understand all of the implications before proceeding with gastric sleeve surgery.

 

In addition the following potential drawbacks should be taken in to consideration:

  • Since the gastric sleeve is a restrictive weight loss procedure and not malabsorptive, inadequate weight loss or weight regain is more likely to occur than would in a procedure involving intestinal bypass

  • The newly created pouch has the potential to stretch over time

  • Weight Loss only really noticeable with total change in diet combined with exercise

  • Additional surgery may be required for follow-up procedures to combine methods

  • Leakage may occur at the site of stapling

  • Still no knowledge of long term results due to short history of procedure

value. ​quality care. convenience.

© 2023 Medical Clinic. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page