Sleeve Gastrectomy

A gastric sleeve, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric surgery and body plastic surgery procedure in which approximately 70 to 80 percent of the stomach is permanently removed to create a long, narrow tube-shaped stomach. This smaller stomach restricts the amount of food a patient can eat and produces strong appetite-reducing effects due to hormonal changes, particularly a significant decrease in ghrelin, the hunger hormone. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, usually with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, and does not involve rerouting the intestines. Because digestion continues through the normal intestinal pathway, nutrient absorption remains largely intact, although vitamin supplementation is still recommended. Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most common bariatric procedures worldwide because it offers substantial weight loss, improvement in obesity-related medical conditions and a relatively straightforward surgical protocol compared with more complex operations.

 Gastric balloon or sleeve procedure?

A gastric balloon is a short, temporary surgical procedure under general anaesthesia that places a balloon in the stomach for 6 or 12 months to help patients feel full more quickly, whereas a gastric sleeve is a definitive bariatric surgery in which a large portion of the stomach is permanently removed to create a narrow tube with strong appetite-reducing effects. The balloon provides moderate weight loss with a reversible approach and minimal anatomical impact, while the sleeve offers substantial and long-term weight reduction but involves removing stomach tissue, stapling and a longer recovery period. The balloon is appropriate for patients who prefer a less invasive, temporary option or want to prepare for further surgery, while the sleeve is intended for individuals requiring lasting and more powerful results.

Some tips about gastric sleeve procedures

This procedure is minimally invasive and can be done in one step. It restricts the amount of food that can be consumed, which helps with weight loss.

On the other hand, gastric bypass surgery is a more complicated procedure that involves two steps. The first step is a restrictive element, which involves stapling off a small section of the stomach to limit the amount of food that can be consumed at any one time. The second step is the malabsorptive element, which involves rerouting the small intestine so that it is connected to the small stomach pouch that was created in the first step. This procedure also allows food to bypass a part of the small intestine, leading to further weight loss.

In contrast, the gastric balloon procedure is a non-surgical, temporary weight loss solution that involves placing a deflated balloon in the stomach through the mouth and then filling it with saline solution. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, which helps people feel full and eat less. The procedure typically lasts for six months.

In summary, gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery are surgical weight loss procedures that involve removing a portion of the stomach to restrict the amount of food that can be consumed. Gastric bypass involves an additional step of rerouting the small intestine to allow food to bypass a portion of it. The gastric balloon procedure, on the other hand, is a temporary, non-surgical weight loss solution that involves placing a balloon in the stomach to take up space and limit food intake.

As sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller, tube-shaped stomach, it shall be studied deeply in order for future patient to have an informed choice. Here are some of the risks and advantages associated with this procedure:

Risks:

  • Bleeding, infection, and blood clots are possible side effects that may occur after any surgery. General anesthesia may also cause breathing problems or other reactions.  
  • Excessive bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, lung or breathing problems, leaks from the cut edge of the stomach, gastrointestinal obstruction, hernias, and gastroesophageal reflux are also possible risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery.  
  • Over time, patients may also have trouble absorbing certain nutrients.  

Advantages:

  • Gastric sleeve surgery can lead to significant weight loss, which can improve or eliminate many obesity-related health conditions, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hypertensive heart disease, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and arterial disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea. 
  • The procedure is considered relatively safe, with low rates of complications. 
  • The surgery is less complex than gastric bypass surgery, which may make it a more suitable option for some patients.  

It's important to note that the specific risks and advantages of gastric sleeve surgery can vary depending on each individual patient and their unique circumstances. Patients considering this surgery should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

Some wait years and years after many diets and once they have done it are most of the time very satisfied.

In addition to the cost of the procedure, you shall take into account other potential plastic surgery procedures in the future as your weight loss may lead to the need of an abdomonoplasty or various liposuctions.

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  Related treatments that can help you with your gastric sleeve procedure

Liposuction (various areas)

Lipofilling

Gastric bypass

Where to find a good gastric sleeve procedure in all countries?

 

Find gastric sleeve procedures in different countries worldwide

 

Some countries where to find a gastric sleeve procedure

 Gastric sleeve in Tunisia

Gastric sleeve in Poland

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Sleeve Gastrectomy

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