Sleeve Gastrectomy uses a restrictive technique to encourage weight loss. The stomach is divided vertically from top to bottom, and the larger stomach section is then removed. This leaves a smaller stomach pouch which is around 25-30% the size of your original stomach.
The sleeve Gastrectomy encourages work loss by reducing the volume of food you can eat. Your stomach will be around 70% smaller than before the surgery, meaning that the portion sizes that you are able to manage will be reduced. The sleeve Gastrectomy works on the basis of being a restrictive procedure only and there is no element of malabsorption associated with this type of surgery. A sleeve Gastrectomy is permanent and the alteration to you stomach is not reversible.
After surgery it remains very important that you follow a sensible, low calorie diet to assist with your weight loss. Whilst the surgery will help you to control the amount of food you eat, the type of food that you eat will remain your own personal choice!
The operation is performed laparoscopically using keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic. Five small incisions are made into the abdomen into which a flexible camera scope and surgical instruments can be introduced. This technique avoids the necessity for a large abdominal incision and aids a quicker recovery time for patients.
Unlike some other forms of bariatric surgery, a laparoscopic sleeve Gastrectomy does not affect the valves or nerves in the stomach. This means that although the stomach is reduced, the stomach function remains intact. As the stomach continues to function as normal, there are generally fewer restrictions over the types of foods that can be managed following this type of surgery. As the procedure is carried out laparoscopically, post-operative recovery times are faster than with open bypass techniques and most patients can expect to be discharged home within 2-3 days post operatively.
Rates of weight loss will vary between individuals and successful long term weight loss will only be achieved if permanent changes to the diet and level of physical activity are made, in addition to the effect of surgery. You should expect weight loss to be most rapid within the first 2 years after surgery. After 1 year you may expect to have around 45-50% of you excess body weight. This figure is based on early research and as mentioned results will vary between individuals.
