Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (also known as “gastric sleeve” or “the sleeve”) is a procedure which removes upwards of two-thirds of the stomach. This drastically reduces the amount of food you’re able to eat. Patients feel fuller with much less food, thereby consuming less calories. This procedure does not reroute or “bypass” any intestine. It divides the stomach using special surgical staplers. The remaining part of the stomach is a tubular stomach about the size and shape of a banana, and is resistant to stretching.
This procedure works by several mechanisms. First, the new sleeve stomach holds a considerably smaller volume than the normal stomach and helps to significantly reduce the amount of food (and thus calories) that can be consumed. Additionally, the portion of the stomach that is removed is responsible for producing hormones that cause hunger. Ghrelin is a hormone that is responsible for feelings of hunger, and so without Ghrelin, appetite is greatly reduced. The small portion of the stomach that is left creates resistance to food, making you feel full for a longer period of time. All of these effects of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy dramatically reduce your appetite and how often you experiences physical feelings of hunger.
Short term studies show that the sleeve is nearly as effective as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in terms of weight loss and improvement or remission of diabetes. There is also evidence that suggest the sleeve, similar to the gastric bypass, is effective in improving type 2 diabetes independent of the weight.
This sleeve is not reversible, but the benefits to many who have undergone this procedure are numerous. Patients of the Bariatric Center of Kansas City typically lose about 60-70% of their excess weight and medical conditions associated with obesity such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are commonly resolved with significant weight loss.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery requires an overnight hospital stay. Significant changes to diet and lifestyle are needed to ensure your safety and success. To lose weight after bariatric surgery you must continue following the diet and exercise guidelines given to you by the surgeon. We require some follow up visits to monitor your progress and evaluate your health after surgery.
Certain tests are needed to determine your candidacy. You may need to see a psychologist to evaluate your mental health and to ensure you have reasonable expectations for your surgery. A registered dietitian will help you make a plan to adopt healthy eating habits so your nutritional needs can be met following your surgery. Your surgeon may also refer you to other specialists to conduct these tests, which will determine whether you are healthy enough to undergo surgery or to determine if special measures should be taken to ensure your safety during surgery.By going through the process to determine whether or not you are a candidate for weight loss surgery, the surgical team is also able to review your medical history and your current health. Once you are cleared to have the surgery, the surgical team will be able to make considerations for whatever needs you may have during surgery. This ensures that you will have optimal chances for success following your surgery.Next step: Calculate your BMI Register for a free seminarThe Bariatric Center of Kansas City is the largest center for laparoscopic weight loss surgery in the Kansas City metropolitan area. We are listed by the Surgical Review Corporation as a Bariatric Center of Excellence.
Dr. Stanley Hoehn has served on university faculties and have received specialty training in the field of laparoscopic weight loss surgery from surgeons who developed laparoscopic techniques. In addition to the dedicated surgeons, we are also staffed with with physician assistants, nursing and supporting staff that have years of experience in providing compassionate, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery patient-centered care.
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