Laparoscopic sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery has become of the most popular and commonly performed bariatric procedure at our center. It is an irreversible procedure in which a small banana shaped stomach is created by surgically removing two thirds of it. Since the procedure reduces the stomach size and also eliminates ‘ghrelin’, the hunger inducing hormone, you will feel satiated with smaller portions of food and start losing weigh quickly without developing any kind of weakness.
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the restrictive types of bariatric surgery. This surgery can also be referred to medically as gastric sleeve resection, sleeve gastrectomy, tube gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Facts about Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Physiological procedure
- Most commonly performed procedure
- Faster recovery because of lesser operative time
- Weight loss similar to gastric bypass
How Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Works?
Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery is a restrictive procedure. In this, about 80 % of the stomach is removed so that it takes the shape of a sleeve or a banana. This greatly reduces the size of the stomach and limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time.
Surgery for weight loss is caused by two mechanisms – First is restriction because of a smaller stomach size and secondly removing the part of the stomach that produces the “hunger hormone” (ghrelin) contributes to the weight loss by reducing the appetite.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery also results in alteration of several gastro intestinal hormone levels in the body resulting in resetting of the set point of food storage to a lower level. These hormonal changes include reduced Ghrelin, increased GLP-1, Peptide YY and Amylin, resulting in reduced appetite and increased energy expenditure.
It is fairly a simple procedure that takes about 60-90 minutes to perform and requires 3 to 4 nights stay in the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LSG a Good Choice for Me?
You should first know the risks and benefits of sleeve gastrectomy, mini gastric bypass and Roux-en -y gastric bypass. For high-risk patients and super obese patients, we advise LSG as a first-stage procedure prior to gastric bypass. Ultimately, the decision regarding which procedure to perform is based on each patient’s operative risk, their expectations and goals for surgical weight-loss and is decided by a bariatric surgeon (Codsils – Dr. Amit Garg).
What are the Risks of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
Minimal hair loss, vitamin B12 and Iron deficiency anemia are the main side effects. However, they are rare and can be managed with medications. As sleeve only restricts the amount of food you can consume post-surgery, there are no long term complications either. Complications that can happen include a leak from the sleeve resulting in an infection or abscess, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, narrowing of the sleeve (stricture). However, at our center, the total complication rate is less than 1% which is similar to other procedures, like a gall bladder or hernia surgery.
Do I need to take bed rest after the Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
We encourage you to walk 3 – 4 hours after the surgery, as being active and mobile reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis. On third day, you are discharged from the hospital and you can return to work within a week.
Will I ever regain weight after Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
Yes you can if you are not careful with the intake of high calorie liquids or junk food as consumption of them could lead to increased caloric intake. Long term over eating can cause stretching/ dilatation of the sleeve which can lead to weight regain. Good healthy eating habits and regular exercise form the cornerstones of success after bariatric surgery.
What will be my diet after Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
You will need to be on a liquid diet for first 15 days after the surgery. This is followed by 15 days of semi-solid foods and then you progress onto solids. Within 2 months you can have all kinds of foods though in limited quantities.
What is Banded Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
Few of the patients have a habit of over eating and in such cases sleeve can dilate because of the repeated pushes with food from inside. In order to prevent sleeve dilatation, a non-adjustable band can be placed on the upper part of the sleeve. For the long term (> 10 years) success of sleeve gastrectomy, this can be a preferred.
What is the Cost of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery cost varies from 2.5 lakhs to 4 lakhs based on the patients BMI, comorbid conditions, room category & hospital choice.
