Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric surgical procedure aimed at weight loss. During this surgery, a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tubular-shaped “sleeve” or pouch. The primary goal of gastric sleeve surgery is to restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to reduced calorie intake and a decrease in hunger signals. By limiting the capacity of the stomach, the surgery helps individuals with clinically severe obesity achieve significant and effective weight loss. Gastric sleeve surgery is considered a viable option for those who have struggled with severe obesity and have not achieved substantial results through traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise. The procedure can lead to improvements in overall health and quality of life for patients with obesity-related health conditions.

Gastric Sleeve Procedure

Most of the time, sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is performed using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery. This means that instead of making a large incision to open the abdominal cavity, the surgery is performed through several small incisions. This approach offers several benefits, including easier recovery and reduced scarring. However, in some cases, open surgery may be more suitable depending on the patient’s specific medical condition.

Here’s an outline of what happens during gastric sleeve surgery:

• You will be given general anesthesia, ensuring that you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
• The surgeon makes a small incision (about 1/2 inch long) in your abdomen and inserts a port. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped through the port to expand your abdomen, providing the surgeon with a clearer view and more space to work.
• A small lighted video camera called a laparoscope is inserted through the port. The laparoscope allows the surgeon to visualize the inside of your abdomen on a screen.
• One to three more small incisions are made, and additional ports are inserted to accommodate long, narrow surgical tools.
• Using the laparoscope and specialized instruments, the surgeon measures out the portion of the stomach to be removed to create the gastric sleeve. The remainder of the stomach is then divided and separated using a surgical stapler.
• The surgeon removes the portion of the stomach that was divided and closes the incisions with sutures or surgical glue.

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, tubular-shaped “sleeve” or pouch. This helps restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to significant weight loss.

How is gastric sleeve surgery performed?

Gastric sleeve surgery is typically done laparoscopically or robotically, using small incisions and specialized tools. The surgeon inserts a camera and instruments through these incisions to remove a portion of the stomach and create the sleeve.

What is the purpose of gastric sleeve surgery?

The primary goal of gastric sleeve surgery is to help individuals with clinically severe obesity achieve effective and sustainable weight loss by reducing the stomach’s capacity and hunger signals.

Who is a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are typically individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 or higher, who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone.

What happens during the surgery?

During the procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a camera and instruments to remove a portion of the stomach and create the gastric sleeve.

What are the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery can lead to significant weight loss, improved overall health, and an enhanced quality of life for patients with obesity-related health conditions.

Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?

No, gastric sleeve surgery is not reversible. The portion of the stomach that is removed cannot be reattached.

What is the recovery like after gastric sleeve surgery?

After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days and are advised to follow a specific diet and lifestyle plan for proper recovery and long-term success.

What are the potential risks and complications of the procedure?

Like any major surgery, gastric sleeve surgery carries potential risks and complications. These should be discussed in detail with the surgeon before the procedure.