Gastric Sleeve Procedure Overview

 

Also known as the Sleeve Gastrectomy, this procedure has become the most commonly performed weight loss surgery. This procedure is the fastest-growing in the bariatric field. Its popularity stems from excellent results and very few associated complications and side effects. Since the procedure is done laparoscopically, the recovery time is much quicker than traditional surgery. By altering the shape and volume of the stomach, the communication to the brain is changed, effectively suppressing hunger and making the stomach more sensitive to fullness.  This achieves the goal of controlling hunger and portion size. Combining this change with altered eating and exercise habits results in a weight that is much closer to ideal body weight and to improved health.

 

During the procedure, Dr. Korman utilizes laparoscopic surgical techniques. First, tiny incisions in the abdomen are made to accommodate the surgical devices. Specifically, a calibration tube is inserted into the stomach, which allows the surgeon to measure and create the optimal size of the new stomach.

 

The result is a tube or “sleeve” shaped stomach that is 20-25% of its original size. This standardized sizing is similar to that of a banana. It has been determined through numerous studies which have demonstrated the most effective and safe stomach reshaping that will result in weight loss. The newly constructed stomach communicates differently with the brain by suppressing hunger and increasing the sensitivity and thereby controlling portion size.

 

Who is a Candidate for the Gastric Sleeve Procedure?

 

• Individuals who are morbidly obese, with a BMI of 40 or greater

• BMI or 35 or greater if weight related medical conditions co-exist

• Patients who have been unable to lose weight by traditional methods of diet and exercise

• Patients who suffer from weight-related diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea

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What can Patients Expect After the Gastric Sleeve Procedure?

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The gastric sleeve procedure only takes about one hour for Dr. Korman to perform. After surgery, patients stay overnight and are even walking around the very same day.

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Because minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques are used for this surgery, incisions are very small.  This results in minimal discomfort along with rapid healing and recovery. Most patients return to work and resume normal activities within two weeks. The majority of patients experience a reduction in their weight-related condition medications in this first month. 

 

Patients receive a carefully curated diet in the first month to ensure proper stomach healing and appropriate nutrition. Our dietitian at Marina Weight loss provides a detailed meal plan to make the transition seamless from a post surgery liquid diet to the point of eating most solid foods again. For the first few weeks after the surgery, patients will eat soft foods and liquid to allow the stomach to heal. As they return to incorporating solid foods into their diets, they will have to remember to chew their food thoroughly and to stop eating before they feel full.

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If patients experience discomfort in their stomach, Dr. Korman can prescribe common pain medications  to manage this.

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Is the gastric sleeve safe?

 

The procedure is extraordinarily safe. Statistically, it is actually safer to undergo a sleeve gastrectomy than it is for routine procedures such as gall bladder removal or a hip replacement.

 

How much weight can I expect to lose after the gastric sleeve procedure?

 

We expect a patient to lose well over 50% of their overweight within 6-12 months. 80-90% of patients achieve their goal weight in 12-24 months. 

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Complications / Risks

 

As with any surgical procedure, there is the chance of complications or risk. However, it is actually more risky to not undergo the procedure. This is because the risk for severely overweight and obese patients who suffer from weight related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease is drastically higher than the procedure itself.
 

Comparisons to other weight loss surgeries:

 

1. More reliable and consistent weight loss results compared to lap band, no foreign body to cause long-term problems, 

2. Safer and less complicated than a gastric bypass, few complications, fewer nutritional issues, digestive system is not re-routed.