What it is?
- Sleeve Gastrectomy is also called vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction and even Vertical Gastroplasty.
- The size of the stomach is reduced to about 25% of its original size, by surgical removal of a large portion of stomach, creating a narrow sleeve or tube like structure
Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin).
- No dumping syndrome because the pylorus is preserved.
- Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring.
- Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI >55 kg/m2).
- Ideal for people who are also suffering from Crohn’s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.
Risks associated with Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Patients with higher BMI may still need to have a second stage procedure at a later stage to help lose all of their excess weight. However, this is an active point of discussion for bariatric surgeons.
- Soft calories from ice cream, milk shakes, etc., can be absorbed and may slow weight loss.
- This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur.
- Since the procedure involves stapling, it is an irreversible procedure