The Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive surgery that involves permanently removing approximately 80% of the greater curvature of the stomach, in essence creating a "gastric sleeve." Patients lose weight because they eat less food.
This operation can be performed as a primary weight-loss option or can be performed as a first-stage of a planned two-stage procedure preceding a Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, or Banding procedure. The weight loss and reduction of medical problems with a Sleeve Gastrectomy are similar to those of a Gastric Bypass, although there is no long-term (>5 years) data on this procedure.
Benefits:
No malabsorption of nutrients
Resolution of medical problems
Less invasive, with minimal recovery time
Fewer problems with vitamin deficiencies
Possible complications include staple line leak, pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, infection, blood clots, dysphagia, need to convert the Sleeve to Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch or Gastric Banding for inadequate weight loss or complications. A more complete list of complications is included on the consent form.
