Sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve, is a surgical weight-loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 15-20% of its original size, by surgical removal of a large portion of the stomach. The stomach shaped like a tube, or a sleeve, with a banana shape. This operation permanently reduces the size of the stomach. It is usually performed laparoscopically. Most patients can expect reduction of 85 to 90 % of their excess body weight over a 6–12 month period with the sleeve gastrectomy.
Advantages
- Simple and takes 40-60 minutes to operate
- Earlier patient recovery
- Discharge in 2-3 days
- Stomach volume is reduced, but it tends to function normally so most food items can be consumed in small amounts.
- By avoiding the intestinal bypass, its complications namely obstruction (blockage), anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are greatly lessened.
- Removes the portion of the stomach that produces the hormone that promotes hunger (Ghrelin).
- Preferred option for people with conditions that make them high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.
