Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
It has emerged has a very popular operation for sustained weightloss over the past two decades. It is a purely restrictive operation that reduces the volume of food intake thereby reducing the number of calories and resultant weight loss.
The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia and using laparoscopic (key hole) technique. The stomach is freed from its attachments and then about 80 percent of it is divided and removed using a device called a stapler. Once this is done the stomach is then checked for any leak on this stitch line.
Postopertively clear liquids are allowed on the same day and in another day or so the patient is discharged from the hospital.
Key Benefits:
- Average hospital stay of 2 nights.
- Average of 60% to 70% excess weight loss.
- May reduce hunger.
- No foreign objects like Lap Bands.
- No re-routing of the intestines like gastric bypass.
- Straightforward procedure that is relatively easy to replicate.
Key Disadvantages:
- Vitamins and minerals are required for lond term. However, the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies is lower than duodenal switch and gastric bypass.
- Does not improve heartburn or acid reflux and in some cases may worsen it.
