Gastric Sleeve Surgery (GSS) is a comparatively new technique in bariatric surgery developed in England in 2002. Gastric sleeve surgery is known by other names like Sleeve Gastronomy, Gastric Sleeve Resection, Tube Gastronomy and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastronomy. Gastric sleeve surgery was initially considered a complete weight loss procedure in itself for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 and over. However its perception has since changed, especially in very obese patients, where it is often carried out as the first stage of a two-stage procedure, the second stage being regular gastric bypass surgery or a duodenal switch surgery. When applied in this manner, Sleeve Gastronomy accounts for much of the initial weight loss, but if this ceases then the second stage of the process is carried out. If the weight-loss meets the target goal however, Sleeve Gastronomy is considered adequate needing no further procedures. With a two-stage procedure many of the risks are minimized. Generally there is an interval of 6 to 8 months between procedures to allow for healing after Sleeve Gastronomy. This is different from the latest Bariatric surgery called Gastric Sleeve Plication which only “folds” the stomach instead of removing sections of it.

What is the Gastric Sleeve Surgery Procedure?

In Gastric Sleeve Surgery the surgeon incises the stomach to remove 85 percent of it longitudinally, and then joins the incision with surgical staples, leaving the stomach to look like a sleeve, tube or a banana. Simultaneously the fundus of the stomach, where the hormone ghrelin is secreted, is removed.  Ghrelin is what stimulates your appetite. Removal of the fundus takes away the hormonal mechanism which makes you hungry, reducing your urge to eat. Gastric Sleeve Surgery achieves 2 objectives. It shrinks your stomach making you full after only a small meal, and it curbs your appetite by eliminating ghrelin.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a laparoscopic procedure which means the surgery is performed through a number of small incisions rather than a single large one. The surgeon uses a laparoscope, which is a viewing apparatus with a camera which he introduces into the incision to help, him see what he is doing.

View The Video Of A Gastric Sleeve Surgery Here

Who is the ideal candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastronomy is recommended as a primary bariatric procedure which suggests that it ranks as an accepted Bariatrics procedure, much like gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding. According to National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastronomy should be carried out only on those with a BMI exceeding 40, which implies 100 pounds excess weight in a man and 80 pounds in a woman. People with lower BMIs between 35 and 39 and suffering from obesity-related illnesses like hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol are also deemed suitable candidates. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastronomy may be performed as an exception, on people who are unable to return for follow ups which would be necessary if they underwent gastric binding and other similar procedures.

What is the Preparation for Gastric Surgery?

Like in other gastric surgery procedures, patients must give up smoking for a period of at least a month before the scheduled surgery. Smoking enhances the risk for blood clots, pneumonia, infections and slow healing, apart from contributing significantly to other life-threatening conditions. Some surgeons insist on a special diet for a few weeks preceding the surgery.

What can I expect, Post-Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastronomy, which takes an hour or two, is a non-reversible procedure for which general anesthesia is used. You will be required to stay a day or two in hospital following the surgery after which the recovery period will take another few weeks. Your abdomen will be sore and swollen for a few days for which you will be prescribed pain medication. For the first two weeks you will have to be on a liquid diet followed by two weeks of soft, pureed food before you can proceed to solids in small quantities.

Most people who have undergone Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastronomy lose between 50 and 80 percent of their surplus body weight within the first 6 to 12 months after surgery. They also find an improvement in their blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol levels and sleep apnea in the first year or two after surgery.

What are the other lifestyles to be made?

You will have learn behavior amendment techniques and exercise regularly. Your eating pattern will undergo a lifetime change.  You will have to train yourself to eat slowly and masticate well before swallowing, and not eat and drink simultaneously. Your eating pattern will consist of smaller quantities of food at more frequent intervals.

What are the possible risks and complications?

Sleeve Gastronomy comes with several risks and complications such as:

• The staples that hold your stomach together sometimes leak, releasing stomach acids which could lead to infection of the surrounding tissues. A leakage could result in further complications which might require additional corrective surgery or implanting of a drainage tube.
• Blood clots might begin to appear.
• The stomach might stretch leading to weight gain.

What is the Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Though this is a comparatively new procedure it is beginning to be covered by insurers. You can expect Sleeve Gastronomy to cost upward of $10,000.