Description

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical weight-loss procedure. It involves removing about 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size and shape of a banana¹². This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, which involves small incisions and the use of a camera and instruments.

Types of Sleeve Gastrectomy

There is essentially one main type of sleeve gastrectomy, but it can be performed using different surgical techniques, such as:

• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: The most common method, involving small incisions and a camera.
• Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Uses robotic systems to assist the surgeon, providing more precision.

Detailed Information

Familiarity with Treatment

Sleeve gastrectomy is a well-established procedure for treating obesity and related health conditions. It is one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries worldwide³.

Procedure

1. Preparation: Patients undergo pre-operative evaluations, including nutritional and psychological assessments.
2. Surgery: Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen. About 75-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube or “sleeve.”
3. Duration: The surgery typically takes about 60-90 minutes¹.
4. Hospital Stay: Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days¹.

Who is it Suitable For?

• Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (extreme obesity).
• Those with a BMI of 35-39.9 and serious weight-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea².
• In some cases, individuals with a BMI of 30-34 and serious weight-related health issues may also qualify².

Who is it Not Suitable For?

• Individuals with certain medical conditions that increase surgical risk.
• Those who are not committed to making long-term lifestyle changes.
• Patients with untreated mental health conditions that could interfere with post-surgery care.

Advantages

• Significant weight loss.
• Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea².
• Reduced appetite due to decreased production of the hunger hormone ghrelin⁴.
• Minimally invasive with a relatively quick recovery time.

Complications

• Short-term risks: Excessive bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, lung or breathing problems, leaks from the cut edge of the stomach².
• Long-term risks: Gastrointestinal blockage, hernias, gastroesophageal reflux, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), malnutrition, vomiting².

Previous Care

• Pre-operative: Nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, and possibly a pre-surgery diet to reduce liver size.
• Lifestyle Changes: Patients are often required to start a physical activity program and stop smoking.

Aftercare

• Diet: Gradual reintroduction of foods, starting with liquids and progressing to solid foods over several weeks.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to monitor weight loss, nutritional intake, and overall health.
• Lifestyle: Commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise is crucial for long-term success.