Gastric Sleeve is a procedure in which a portion of the stomach is surgically removed. The procedure is performed on obese and morbidly obese patients to promote weight loss and improve overall health, particularly in relation to obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension.
This procedure is performed laparoscopically, and unlike the gastric band, it is an irreversible procedure. It is called “gastric sleeve” due to the sleeve-like structure formed by surgically stapling the edges of the stomach.
The stomach size can be reduced to about 15% of its original size. This is achieved by dividing the stomach along its vertical axis, creating a small, elongated pouch. As a result of this surgery, a person feels fuller after eating a relatively small amount, the body’s metabolism is altered, and food cravings are reduced.
The gastric sleeve is a restrictive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach but does not alter the gastrointestinal tract or the pylorus. Because the route of ingested food through the gastrointestinal tract is not altered, nutrients are absorbed more efficiently. The patient is less dependent on vitamin supplements, and food is absorbed more naturally. The long-term effects of this procedure on nutrient absorption should be better understood, especially considering that the stomach size can be reduced by as much as 85%.
The duration of the procedure varies between one and three hours. On average, patients stay in the hospital for two to three days. Like other bariatric procedures, returning to normal activities and office work typically takes a couple of weeks.
Advantages
Provides lasting weight loss and significant improvement in concurrent diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Recommended for:
- Patients with morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²) or BMI > 35 kg/m² associated with comorbidities or concurrent diseases.
- After the failure of proper medical-nutritional and psychotherapeutic treatment for more than 6 to 12 months.