Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

In the past 5 to 10 years, sleeve gastrectomy, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, has emerged as a valid alternative to gastric bypass and LAP-BAND procedures. During the procedure, the surgeon removes part of the stomach, thus restricting the amount of food that can be consumed. The advantage of the procedure is that normal continuity of the gastrointestinal tract is preserved, while the capacity of the stomach to hold food is reduced by 80 to 90 percent.

The procedure can be performed laparoscopically, even in very obese patients, and takes about one-and-a-half hours. Surgery is followed by a hospital stay of about two days, and patients can expect to return to work in three to four weeks.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Benefits

Postsurgery weight loss is comparable to that of gastric bypass and slightly better than with the LAP-BAND. Sleeve gastrectomy allows patients to avoid some of the complications associated with those two procedures, such as the marginal ulcer, intestinal obstruction, severe anemia following gastric bypass, and band slippage, erosion, widening of esophagus with reflux and regurgitation, and device problems following LAP-BAND. It can be performed in patients who have contraindication, or do not want gastric bypass or LAP-BAND procedures.

For more information on weight loss surgery at St. Agnes Hospital, call 866-690-9355.