What is sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy is weight-loss surgery that changes the shape of the stomach and reduces the size of the stomach by removing part of the stomach without re-routing the intestines. In sleeve gastrecomy, the stomach is divided into 2 sections. The larger section is permanently removed. The smaller section is long and narrow, and resembles a sleeve.
After surgery, the stomach will function in the same way, but the volume that the stomach can hold is much less. You will feel full more quickly when you eat, and therefore, consume less food at each meal.
The results of sleeve gastrectomy are similar to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This procedure is also performed laparoscopically.
See more information about sleeve gastrectomy surgery (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery).
What is recovery from sleeve gastrectomy surgery like?
- Patients generally can return to work 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.
- There are no lifting restrictions during the recovery period.
- Most patients are limited by their fatigue as well as adjusting to the post-bariatric eating behaviors and making sure they are meeting protein and fluid goals.
What are the disadvantages of sleeve gastronomy surgery?
Although the results of sleeve gastrecomy surgery are similar to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, there are a few differences:
- Sleeve gastrectomy surgery may increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disease where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
- Sleeve gastrectomy surgery has less of an effect on the body's metabolism, which sometimes leads to less weight loss.