Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
A recent option for surgical weight loss is the sleeve gastrectomy. This is a less-invasive operation in which two-thirds of the stomach is surgically removed, resulting in a new stomach that is roughly the size and shape of a small banana. The operation does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting of the intestines.
Studies have shown that after the gastric sleeve resection procedure people show improvement in diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea within one to two years. These improvements are comparable with those seen after other weight loss surgeries.
Advantages of sleeve gastrectomy:
- Rapid initial weight loss
- Minimally invasive, laparoscopic approach
- Higher total average weight loss reported than adjustable gastric banding
Disadvantages:
- Stomach cutting and stapling
- Higher operative risk than adjustable gastric banding
- Small risk of nutritional deficiencies
- Non-adjustable and difficult to reverse
Recovery
Patients typically stay in the hospital for two nights, Recovery from sleeve gastrectomy takes two to four weeks on average.
Following recovery, certain lifestyle changes and follow-up care occur; people who have gastric sleeve surgery must:
- Exercise regularly
- Learn behavior modification techniques.
Weight Loss
Most people who have gastric sleeve surgery lose 60 to 65 percent of their excess body weight over the first year after surgery.