Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular weight loss surgery in which a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. This surgery helps individuals with severe obesity lose weight by reducing the stomach's capacity and limiting food intake. Gastric sleeve surgery also has significant benefits for patients with obesity-related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

Gastric-Sleeve-Surgery

Types of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

    1. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)

  • Green Arrow Icon Description: The most common form of gastric sleeve surgery, performed using laparoscopy. A large portion of the stomach is removed, and the remaining stomach is reshaped into a tube or sleeve.
  • Benefits: Minimal invasion, faster recovery time, no need for a foreign device like a band, and significant weight loss.

    • 2. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

  • Green Arrow Icon Description: A non-surgical option where a flexible endoscope is used to staple the stomach and create a smaller, sleeve-shaped pouch. This procedure is less invasive than laparoscopic surgery but is not as widely available.
  • Benefits: Non-invasive, no incisions required, and shorter recovery time. However, weight loss may not be as significant as with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Who Needs Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is typically recommended for individuals who are severely obese and have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise. The ideal candidates are generally those who meet the following criteria:

  • Green Arrow Icon BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or more with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea.
  • Failure to lose weight through diet and exercise.
  • Green Arrow Icon No medical or psychological conditions that would interfere with the surgery or recovery.
  • Green Arrow Icon Commitment to long-term lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and supplementation.

Investigations Required

Before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, a thorough evaluation is needed to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure:
  • Physical Examination: To assess the patient's general health and check for conditions that might interfere with surgery.
  • Blood Tests: To evaluate liver function, kidney health, and any other underlying conditions.
  • Endoscopy: To check for stomach ulcers, inflammation, or other digestive issues.
  • Chest X-ray: To assess lung and heart function.
  • EKG/ECG: A heart check-up to ensure it’s safe for anesthesia.
  • Psychological Evaluation: To ensure the patient is emotionally and mentally prepared for the changes that come with surgery.
  • Nutritional Assessment: To ensure the patient will be able to follow dietary guidelines post-surgery and avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Procedure: How Gastric Sleeve Surgery is Done

    1. Preparation

  • The surgery begins with a full pre-operative assessment. General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is unconscious during the procedure.

    • 2. Surgical Technique

  • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope (a small camera) and other surgical instruments are used to remove about 75-80% of the stomach. The remaining portion is then shaped into a tube or sleeve. This reduces the stomach's capacity, which limits food intake and leads to weight loss.
  • Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: In this less invasive procedure, an endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. The stomach is then stitched or stapled to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
  • Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: The stomach is reduced in size, and a significant portion of the small intestine is bypassed.

    • 3. Closing Incisions

  • After the stomach is reshaped, the incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and the patient is moved to the recovery room. The laparoscopic approach generally takes about 1-2 hours.

Length of Stay in Hospital

The length of stay in the hospital for gastric sleeve surgery is relatively short compared to other bariatric surgeries:

  • Initial Hospital Stay: Typically 1 to 2 days. During this time, the patient is monitored for any complications and to ensure they are recovering well from the anesthesia.
  • Recovery Period: After surgery, the patient will be encouraged to begin drinking fluids and gradually introduce soft foods. Full recovery can take 4-6 weeks.
  • Discharge Criteria: The patient will be discharged once they can consume liquids comfortably, manage pain with oral medications, and show no signs of complications.

Post-Operative Care

Post-operative care is essential to ensure the success of gastric sleeve surgery and help patients adapt to the significant changes that occur after the procedure:

  • Dietary Changes: A strict dietary plan will be followed, starting with clear liquids, then progressing to soft foods, and finally to solid foods. Patients will be instructed to eat smaller portions and chew food thoroughly.
  • Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Patients will need lifelong supplementation of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
  • Physical Activity: Patients are encouraged to walk and perform light exercises shortly after surgery. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
  • Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor weight loss progress, make adjustments to the diet, and check for any complications such as nutritional deficiencies or dehydration.
  • Psychological Support: Emotional support and counseling may be required as patients adjust to their new eating habits and lifestyle.

Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

While gastric sleeve surgery is generally safe, it does carry some risks, including:

  • Leakage: Leaks in the newly created sleeve-shaped stomach, which can cause infections or other complications.
  • Infection: At the incision sites or internally.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Due to reduced stomach size and altered nutrient absorption, patients may develop deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Stomach Ulcers: Some patients may develop ulcers in the remaining stomach portion.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Gastric sleeve surgery can sometimes worsen GERD or cause new-onset acid reflux.
  • Weight Regain: While the surgery promotes significant weight loss, some patients may experience weight regain over time if they do not adhere to lifestyle changes.

Success Rate of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery has a high success rate when patients follow the post-operative guidelines and commit to a healthy lifestyle:

  • General Success Rate: Approximately 60-70% of excess weight is lost within the first 1-2 years after surgery.
  • Health Improvements: Many patients experience improvements in obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
  • Long-Term Success: Patients who follow dietary recommendations and maintain regular physical activity are more likely to sustain weight loss over the long term. However, there is a small chance of weight regain (around 10-20%) after a few years.

Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery

The cost of gastric bypass surgery can vary significantly depending on the country, type of surgery, and hospital. Below is an estimated cost table:

Treatment Cost Start From ($) Hospital Stay
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy 5,500 onwards 1 - 2 Days
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty 6,000 onwards 1 - 2 Days

At Universelle Medicaid, we work with top hospitals and experienced surgeons to offer gastric sleeve surgery that is safe, effective, and affordable. Let us help you take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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