Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

During a sleeve gastrectomy, a surgeon permanently removes about 60 to 80 percent of the stomach. The part of the stomach that remains connects to your esophagus and small intestine, forming the shape of a sleeve. This procedure offers an alternative to those who are at a high risk for gastric bypass surgery, or those who want to avoid having artificial items, such as the Gastric Band, in their bodies.

Reducing the size of the stomach greatly limits the amount of food it can hold, helping you feel full from eating less. Following this procedure, you can lose weight and still absorb the full amount of nutrients from the food you eat. As you start to lose weight your energy may start to rise, which can contribute to a more active lifestyle.

Gastric Sleeve Procedure

The Gastric Sleeve Procedure is minimally invasive similar to the Gastric Band and Bypass procedures. It is a purely restrictive procedure in which the restriction is created by surgically decreasing the size of the stomach. Surgeons will make a few small incisions in the abdomen and insert special surgical tools and a miniature camera. The camera allows the surgeon to see inside the body in detail, as opposed to making a large incision in the skin.

The surgeon uses the tools to cut the stomach vertically into two sections, removing the larger section. Then, they will staple the remaining stomach shut, creating a sleeve or tube shape. Unlike gastric bypass, there is no surgery needed on the small intestine and food will progress naturally through the digestive system.

What Are the Advantages to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Surgeons remove the part of the stomach that is the main producer of hunger hormones. Once it’s gone, you’ll feel hungry less often. A subdued appetite combined with a smaller stomach will help you lose weight. Most patients can expect to lose 60 to 80 percent of excess body weight over one to two years after the procedure. Compared to gastric bypass surgery, the procedure itself is simple because the intestines are not detached or rerouted. You are also able to absorb the full amount of nutrients and minerals the body needs from the food you eat. In most cases, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery can also cure obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea.

The minimally invasive nature of this procedure can result in a variety of other benefits including:

• A shorter hospital stay
• Less pain or fewer complications after surgery
• Lower risk of infection
• Quicker recovery to start your new active lifestyle

Is Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Right for Me?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Experience matters and the surgeons at the Surgical Weight Control Center help their patients achieve better outcomes with each procedure they perform. It’s important to attend our free education seminar to learn about the benefits as well as the risk of this procedure.

For more details about the benefits and risks, contact our office at 702-313-8446.