Reshaping stomach into a tube or “sleeve”, the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery in which a trained bariatric surgeon removes approximately 85% of the stomach. In this procedure, the function of the stomach is preserved by not altering the nerves of the stomach and the outlet valve.
The stomach is divided along its vertical length in order to create a slender space for food to pass & removing the excess stomach. The aim is to restrict the amount of food ingested at any given time, without altering the normal absorption of the vitamins and minerals.
The characteristics of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy :
- Restrictive Procedure.
- A popular alternative to LAGB& Gastric Bypass
- 25% stomach left.
- Less invasive than bypass
- Ghrelin hormone (appetite hormone) removed.
- Improves co-morbidities
- Mean excess weight loss at one year is 70%
- Minimal complications.
- Less follow-up
- Hospital stay is 2-3 days.
- Return to normal physical activity is 4 days.
This procedure should be performed at tertiary care centers with a dedicated bariatric team of surgeons/anesthetists and strong ICU back up