The gastric sleeve – or sleeve gastrectomy – is a newer form of restrictive weight loss surgery that turns the stomach into a tube connected directly to the intestines. If a full gastric bypass surgery is too risky in your case, your surgeon may elect to do a sleeve gastrectomy instead, allow you to lose some weight and then revisit the possibility of rerouting your stomach to further aid your weight loss. Typically, sleeve gastrectomy is reserved for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 60.

During a sleeve gastrectomy the surgeon will generally use special laparoscopic instruments to access the abdominal cavity through several small incisions, and remove 75 percent of your stomach. The remaining portion of your stomach, which is shaped like a banana, can process food normally. But, since the stomach is markedly smaller, you will feel full much faster and take in fewer calories.

The gastric sleeve procedure not as complicated or risky as Lap-Band or gastric bypass surgery, and nutritional deficiencies are not a problem with this procedure because the intestines are not bypassed. People with higher BMIs typically lose about 40 to 50 percent of their excess weight in three years with this procedure. Those with lower BMIs generally lose even more.

But, even though this procedure is less risky and less invasive than a gastric bypass, the change to the stomach is just as drastic and will require food and lifestyle changes, including a post-surgery liquid diet and working back up to solid foods.  In addition, since the sleeve gastrectomy is a newer procedure, longer-term effects are not yet known, and many insurance carriers consider it experimental. Also, unlike Lap-Band surgery, a gastric sleeve procedure can’t be reversed. Typical side effects include infection, leaking of the sleeve and blood clots.

If you are considering the gastric sleeve procedure in Decatur, TX, with Dr. Stowers at Obesity Health Solutions, call our office toll-free at 866-980-8598 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to being a part of your success!