Gastric Sleeve
The gastric sleeve, also known as the "sleeve gastrectomy" is a surgical stomach reduction procedure. As such, it is a longer and more complicated procedure than the gastric band, but is less drastic than the gastric bypass.
The reduction of stomach capacity significantly reduces the patient's ability to eat large portions. In addition, the portion of the stomach which is separated is the area that produces "ghrelin", the hunger hormone, so the patients natural appetite is significantly reduced.
The benefits of the procedure include:
- Average 30-50% loss of excess weight in the first year
- Suited to patients whose BMI is over 35, who are either extremely overweight or whose medical condition rules out other forms of surgery
- Less traumatic procedure than the bypass - stomach functions as normal, but with a smaller capacity
- Fewer restrictions on the types of food which patients can consume after surgery
- Where required, in a subsequent procedure, the sleeve can be converted to a gastric bypass. However, this is not always the case - it is a very effective procedure on its own for many patients
- Major improvements in obesity related health conditions e.g. cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnoea, asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux, fatigue, shortness of breath
The Gastric Sleeve Procedure
The "sleeve gastrectomy" operation will make your stomach smaller. The Surgeon will vertically staple up to 75% of the stomach off to create a sleeve shape stomach with a much smaller capacity.
This is normally carried out as a keyhole (laparoscopic) procedure and takes around 2 hours in surgery. You should expect to spend 1-2 nights in hospital before returning home to continue your recovery. We would generally recommend a week off work/normal activities.
This reduction in stomach capacity means that you will feel less hungry and only be able to take small amounts of food. As a result, you will lose weight. It is therefore important to consume highly nutritious foods in order for you to meet your dietary requirements and you will be given information on a gastric sleeve diet as well as one-to-one support from a specialist weight loss surgery Dietitian.
Like the bypass, the sleevectomy is irreversible, although it is a less major procedure as it does not require any “rerouting” or “reconnecting” of the intestines, so the stomach functions as normal, but with a smaller capacity.
Depending on your requirements, the sleeve gastrectomy may be recommended as "Step 1" towards a gastric bypass, to enable you to lose some weight prior to the bigger procedure.
Deciding on Surgery
Any form of weight loss surgery is a big decision, but unlike the gastric band, the gastric sleeve is irreversible. You therefore need to be absolutely sure that it's the right procedure for you.
Your consultation will include a full review of your medical history and honest advice on which form of weight loss surgery is most suitable for you. Bear in mind that the gastric sleeve is a lesser known procedure which suits very specific patient needs. On that basis, if it has been recommended for you then that Surgeon or Expert will have a reason for making that decision and should fully explain it in your consultation.
As well as the gastric sleeve, we also offer the following alternatives:
- Gastric balloon - a non-surgical procedure for lower BMI patients
- Gastric band - a reversible and adjustable weight loss surgery option
- Gastric bypass - an irreversible procedure for higher BMI patients
Your consultation will also include what to expect at the hospital, the procedure in detail and the recovery/healing process as well as aftercare and gastric sleeve dietary information.
We take every aspect of your care very seriously and will provide you with a Patient Information Booklet providing further information on surgery as well as dietary information pre and post-operatively.
An important thing to remember while a gastric sleeve procedure will reduce your stomach capacity and hunger, you will need to work much harder on making sensible food choices so that the food you do eat is of high nutritional value. As you lose weight, you will be much more able to increase your activity levels, which will accelerate your weight loss as well as give massive health benefits.
The Hospital Group includes extensive aftercare support with specialist dietitians to help you in your weight loss journey.
