Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is a restrictive weight loss surgery that reduces the stomach’s size to help people lose weight. Compared to other types of weight loss surgery, a sleeve gastrectomy is better for someone who has had extensive prior surgery or has medical conditions, such as:
- Anemia
- Chrohn’s disease
- Extremely high BMI (over 50)
However, those are not requirements for sleeve gastrectomy surgery; it can be appropriate for treating anyone who qualifies for weight loss surgery.
How a Sleeve Gastrectomy Works
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is a laparoscopic operation, which means that is minimally-invasive and is performed through tiny incisions in the abdomen. The surgery involves removing about 80% of the stomach, and permanently forming a tube (sleeve) that extends from the esophagus to the natural stomach outlet (pyloric valve). With your stomach’s size decreased, you’ll feel full after eating smaller portions, leading to weight loss.
Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Compared to Other Surgeries
- No need for adjustments after the surgery
- It’s the only weight loss surgery that significantly removes the hunger-inducing hormone, ghrelin
- There is no disconnecting or reconnecting of intestines, preventing dumping syndrome
- Since there is no malabsorption of nutrients, there’s reduced risk of anemia, osteoporosis and protein and vitamin deficiencies
What to Expect from Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
- Weight loss. The average person can expect to lose about 55% of their excess weight in the long run with sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
- Reduced hunger. The surgery reduces hunger because part of the stomach removed during a sleeve gastrectomy is responsible for producing a hunger-stimulating hormone, ghrelin.
- Health improvements. Like other weight loss surgeries, a sleeve gastrectomy can help improve many medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and hypertension.
If you are suffering from obesity, you may benefit from sleeve gastrectomy surgery. As you consider what to do next, be sure to research your other surgical options that Dr. Bass offers, such as gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding surgery, and how you can prepare for weight loss surgery.