Gastric Sleeve

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Also Known As Tube Gastrectomy

Also known as gastric sleeve or tube gastrectomy, is where approximately 70 -80% of the stomach is completely removed effectively turning the stomach into a small tube. The biggest advantage is that there is no foreign device to fail or cause obstruction and there is no major alteration in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Effects of Surgery

Patients will feel full with an entrée size portion, and, once they get beyond the normal post-operative recovery period, can eat most foods.

You will lose a large amount of weight rapidly in the first few months following the sleeve gastrectomy. Although this is something you are looking forward to, it is important that you lose this weight in a healthy way to avoid side effects such as fatigue and hair loss. It is important that you follow the dietary recommendations given to you by our Dietitians. Your chance of achieving your weight loss goals is enhanced if you follow our bariatric programme after surgery.

Like any bariatric procedure, there are ways to defeat the surgery and fail to lose weight or fail to achieve your maximum weight loss. It is possible to consume sufficient amounts of high calorie liquid or food such that you do not lose weight. In general, if you choose a balanced menu, high in protein, eaten at normal times and incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine, the tool that is sleeve gastrectomy, will allow you to lose weight and keep it off in the longer term.

Will This Weight Loss Procedure Suit You?

Sleeve gastrectomy is suitable for most morbidly obese patients. It is a good portion control operation. It is a restrictive procedure and works by limiting the amount of food you can eat at any one time. The normal stomach acts as a large bag, storing food as you eat, and with a sleeve gastrectomy, you are able to eat a normal diet but in much smaller portions.

Advantages of LSG

The advantage of the sleeve gastrectomy is that your anatomy is not altered. You are able to eat a normal diet but in entrée sized portions. This is felt to be particularly beneficial for men as men’s dietary issues tend to be related to portion size rather than the consumption of high calorie sweets and desserts.

The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy produces rapid weight loss with maximal weight loss usually attained within 12 to 14 months. Most patients can expect 60% to 65% excess weight loss. A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy usually involves a two night stay in hospital.

Obviously, as the resected part of the stomach is “in the bin”, the procedure is not reversible.

Risks of LSG

Specific risks related to the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy include a staple line leak. The stomach is divided and closed with a stapling device. The staple line has to heal and there is a small risk that it could leak. If this was to happen, you would require further surgery, usually laparoscopic, and possible a stay in intensive care. If the leak is not controlled and infection results, this can become life threatening. In addition, the staple line can bleed.

This is usually managed without the need for a return to surgery and occurs in less than 1% of cases. Less common complications are impairment of the stomach’s ability to empty and structuring or narrowing of the stomach tube. These complications occur in less than 1% of cases.

To find out more about this weight loss procedure, please click her to arrange a free, obligation free consultation.

To find out more about this weight loss procedure, please click here to arrange a free, obligation free consultation.