How Sleeve Gastrectomy Became A Common Bariatric Procedure

December 27, 2019 | Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common procedures done for bariatric surgery. For years, surgeons and researchers have figured out ways to mould the digestive process surgically in order to induce rapid weight loss for severely obese patients. Sleeve gastrectomy was an answer, and it became one of the most common procedures done for weight loss.

What Is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy, also called a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical weight-loss procedure. It’s a laparoscopic procedure done through small incisions in the belly area. It removes about 80 percent of the stomach, resulting in a stomach that is the shape of a tube. This helps reduce the amount of food that the patient can consume.

What Does It Do?

When your stomach is the size and shape of a banana, you’re not able to eat nearly as much. Very small portions are required, otherwise, the patient will become very ill. The purpose of this, and all bariatric surgery, is to allow for rapid weight loss by surgically preventing the excess intake of food. It sets a hard limit on the amount of food the patient can eat.

What’s The Difference Between Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass?

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are two very common bariatric surgery options. Gastric bypass causes the same effects as sleeve gastrectomy but does it differently. While the sleeve simply removes a large part of the stomach and forms it into a tube, gastric bypass does not reshape the stomach. It instead creates a pouch for that stage in the digestion process and connects that pouch directly to the intestine. This causes digestion to bypass part of the small intestine, hence the name.

Why Is It Such a Common Choice for Bariatric Patients?

It can reduce or eliminate common problems caused by high body fat and obesity. Type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and many other common obesity-related medical issues can be completely eliminated after the rapid weight loss caused by the surgery.

Lower Risk of Complications Compared to Gastric Bypass

Because gastric bypass is an older, more involved procedure, there is a greater risk of serious complications in the first 30 days. For extremely obese patients, gastric bypass may be the more effective option, however. It has a much higher rate of persistent weight less, although this is highly dependent on the individual and their desire to stick to the strict eating regimen required after the operation.

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