Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is a type of weight loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving only a narrow "sleeve" or tube-like stomach. This surgical procedure is typically performed on individuals who are obese and have been unable to lose weight through other means.

How it Works

The sleeve gastrectomy surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach, which in turn reduces the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The smaller stomach also produces less ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, leading to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness.

Benefits

• Significant weight loss: Sleeve gastrectomy surgery can result in significant weight loss, with many patients losing 50-80% of their excess body weight within the first year after surgery.
• Improved health conditions: Weight loss from sleeve gastrectomy surgery can also improve or resolve related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
• Reduced risk of obesity-related diseases: By achieving significant weight loss, patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery may reduce their risk of developing obesity-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding or hemorrhage: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding or hemorrhage during or after sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
• Infection: There is also a risk of infection with sleeve gastrectomy surgery, which can be treated with antibiotics.
• Leakage: One of the most serious complications of sleeve gastrectomy surgery is leakage from the staple line, which can lead to peritonitis and sepsis.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Sleeve gastrectomy surgery can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, if patients do not follow a proper diet and take supplements as directed.

Surgical Procedure

The sleeve gastrectomy surgical procedure typically takes 1-2 hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen and insert a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end, to visualize the stomach.

The surgeon will then use a stapling device to remove a large portion of the stomach, leaving only a narrow sleeve or tube-like stomach. The remaining stomach is then closed using staples or sutures.

Post-Operative Care

• Pain management: Patients typically experience some pain and discomfort after sleeve gastrectomy surgery, which can be managed with pain medication.
• Diet: Patients will need to follow a liquid diet for several weeks after surgery, gradually progressing to solid foods as the stomach heals.
• Follow-up care: Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon and other healthcare providers are necessary to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Candidates for Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is typically recommended for individuals who meet certain criteria, including:

• Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with one or more obesity-related health conditions.
• Failed to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise.
• Have no contraindications for surgery, such as severe heart disease or other serious medical conditions.

Long-Term Results

Studies have shown that sleeve gastrectomy surgery can result in significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions over the long-term. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy surgery experienced an average weight loss of 55% of their excess body weight at 5 years after surgery.

Another study published in the journal Obesity Surgery found that sleeve gastrectomy surgery resulted in significant improvements in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea at 1-2 years after surgery.