Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a new procedure that causes weight loss by restricting food intake. With this procedure, the surgeon removes approximately 60 percent of the stomach laparoscopically so that the stomach takes the shape of a tube or "sleeve." This procedure is usually performed on super-obese or high risk patients. This procedure can be used alone as a successful weight loss surgery or it can be used as a first stage surgery with a gastric bypass or duodenal switch being performed when the patient’s risk has increased because of weight loss.
Advantages:
• Stomach volume is reduced, but it tends to function normally so most food items can be consumed in small amounts.
• Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin).
• No dumping syndrome because the pylorus is preserved.
Disadvantages:
• Soft calories from ice cream, milk shakes, etc., can be absorbed and may slow weight loss.
• Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible. It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure.
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