Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the fashionable weight loss procedures in which approximately 70% part of the stomach is removed which produces hunger hormone called Ghrelin. This results in a new, smaller stomach that is roughly the size and shape of a sleeve or tube.

With this reducing size of the stomach, patient feels full after eating much less, takes in fewer calories, and loses weight. In addition, patient does not feel hungery because hunger hormone (Ghrelin) drive is taken away.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a simpler operation than the gastric bypass procedure, because it doesn't involve rerouting or reconnecting the intestines.

Also, unlike the gastric banding procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy doesn't require the use of a foreign device to be implanted around a portion of the stomach.

Advantages of  Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Stomach size reduced without loss of function or change in anatomy.  This results in less chance of developing lack of vitamins and minerals and eliminates dumping syndrome in gastric bypass surgery.
• 75-80% weight loss of excess weight.
• Highest decrease in Ghrelin
• There is no implantable band device, so slippage and erosion are not a risk.
• The surgical risk is lower than with the gastric bypass procedure, but the weight loss is similar.
• The sleeve gastrectomy has been performed using minimally invasive techniques that help speed recovery time.
• No device that needs adjustment is inserted, so the follow-up regimen is not as intense as it would be with the band.

Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Sleeve gastrectomy is non-adjustable unlike gastric banding.
• No long term follow up.

Risks /Complications

• Standard risks associated with surgery
• Bleeding and leakage at the suture/staple site
• Recovery Period
• Hospital stay averages 2 days
• Return to normal activity in 3-4 days
• Complete surgical recovery usually occurs in 6-7 days