Bariatric surgery procedures work in one of two ways: restrictive, which means it reduces the amount of food you eat; and malabsorptive, which means it lets the food you eat pass through the intestine without being absorbed.
The Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure is considered a restrictive operation with changes in metabolism. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten by removing a portion of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption.
During a Sleeve Gastrectomy, the stomach is restricted by removing more than 85 percent of it. The stomach that remains is shaped like a tube or very slim banana. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume.
Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy:
- Minimal risk of vitamin and protein deficiency
- Dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal
- Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger
Disadvantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy:
- High-calorie liquids can be absorbed and may slow weight loss
- Increased risk of leaks and other complications related to stapling
- Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible
- Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies
Physicians offering the Sleeve Gastrectomy at Evergreen Hospital: