Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive form of bariatric surgery that is used to help obese and severely obese patients lose weight by reducing the stomach to approximately 15 percent of its original size.
Your Procedure
According to Arif Ahmad, MD, Director of the Mather Hospital Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery™ (COEMBS™), the procedure involves inserting instruments through a small incision and stapling the stomach into a long tube to accommodate only a greatly reduced volume.
Once the “sleeve” is examined to ensure quality and no leakage or bleeding, the excess stomach tissue is then removed. The removal of this part of the stomach has a secondary effect of reducing the secretion of the hormone Ghrelin, which is responsible for inducing hunger.
Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy include a decrease in caloric intake without a reduction in vitamin and mineral absorption. Other benefits include a reduced recovery time because the procedure is performed laparoscopicly (with small incisions).
Weight loss with Sleeve Gastrectomy is usually less than with Gastric Bypass surgery.And some patients report having heartburn after surgery.
After Your Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
With any bariatric surgery procedures, it is crucial to change your dietary habits. After your procedure, you will not be able to eat as much as you did prior to surgery. You will need to make smart food choices in order to take in your necessary vitamins and nutrients. Early diet modification will help you to sustain the changes long term. Our staff nutritionists are always available for questions and concerns that you may have as you progress with your weight loss.
Adhering to your follow-up visits is also essential to long-term success. You will be advised to see your surgeon one week, one month, three months, six months, one year and then annually after your surgery. These appointments are critically important to ensure that you are progressing well after your surgery.
Your Risks
As with any surgery, there are inherent potential risks, such as blood clots, bleeding and infection or damage to adjacent organs.
Poor compliance with the post-surgical program prescribed by your surgeon and the COEMBS™ team can result in inadequate weight loss or weight regain with any bariatric procedure.
* Weight loss results may vary. All surgeries present risks.