Sleeve gastrectomy is the most common weight loss surgery performed. Read on to learn what is involved, how it works, and if it’s right for you.
To learn more about how weight-loss surgery can help you, book an appointment with Dr. Blake Movitz at the Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Twp and Southfield, MI.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is the most common type of metabolic and bariatric surgery used to help someone lose weight. It is also called gastric sleeve surgery or vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
This type of weight loss surgery is usually performed as a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon will use small (laparoscopic) instruments to operate through multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen.
During laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes around 80% of the stomach. The remaining piece of the stomach will resemble the size and shape of a banana.
Reducing the size of your stomach with a gastric sleeve will also reduce the capacity of food that your stomach can hold at one time. This will help you feel fuller faster and thus help you reduce the amount of food you consume.
It will also limit the hunger hormones your stomach can produce. This will help you to curb your appetite. In addition, these hormone changes may help improve associated conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Gastric sleeve surgery is a safe surgery with lower complication rates than other common surgeries, such as gallbladder removal and hip replacements. The risk of surgery is also lower than the health complications that arise with excess weight.
As gastric sleeve is normally performed as a laparoscopic surgery, there is less pain, lower risk of complications, and faster recovery than open surgical procedures.
You may be a good candidate for sleeve gastrectomy surgery if:
If you decide to undergo this kind of bariatric surgery, you must be prepared to make lifestyle changes to live healthier.
Weight loss prior to sleeve gastrectomy is recommended. You may be placed on a liquid diet before your bariatric surgery. This will help reduce the fat around your abdomen and liver, making surgery safer.
You will receive detailed instructions related to preparation for the day of surgery.
Gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed as a minimally invasive procedure. However, in some cases, open surgery is the preferred method. Your surgeon will likely follow these steps during surgery:
You will need to adjust your diet after your surgery in the following ways:
In addition, you will receive detailed instructions to take multivitamin supplements that will be followed closely and required lifelong after surgery.
You’ll have frequent medical checkups to monitor your health in the first several months after weight-loss surgery. You may need laboratory testing, bloodwork, and various exams.
Pain is usually mild. You will be instructed to begin light cardiovascular exercise as soon as you return home.
On average, patients lose around 25 to 30% of their body weight in the first one to two years after having a sleeve gastrectomy. There is a potential of regaining weight. This is often associated with poor snacking and eating habits, unhealthy ways of managing mental health, suboptimal exercise, and sleep.
Dr. Movitz and the team at Detroit Weight Loss Center can provide the assistance you need to maintain long-term weight loss.
In some cases, people need help losing more weight. Your surgeon may consider other treatments such as medications or conversion to another type of weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery or duodenal switch.
The following risks are associated with sleeve gastrectomy:
Sleeve gastrectomy is just one of the bariatric procedures that Dr. Movitz offers at the Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Township and Southfield, Michigan. Book an appointment now to see how he can help you with your weight loss concerns.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Blake Movitz, MD, FACS
Dr. Blake Movitz
Fellowship trained from the Mayo Clinic in Minimally Invasive Advanced GI Surgery, Complex Endoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.
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“I highly recommend Dr. Movitz for his exceptional and comprehensive approach to healthcare. He meticulously reviewed all past tests and considered every aspect of my case then provided me with a well-rounded plan of action. He is truly a knowledgeable, caring, and personable professional.” Carol W.