Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) New Jersey

The gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy procedure is a restrictive bariatric surgical procedure. In the past it was called a “staged procedure” due to the fact that a follow up surgery is common. Today, the gastric sleeve is an approved and well tested primary bariatric procedure.

During the gastric sleeve procedure, the surgeon creates a small, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch and about 90% of the stomach is removed. The pouch created holds about 90-100 cc, and is about the width of your index finger.

The gastric sleeve procedure is ideal for those patients, that do not want surgery involving an implanted device or intense follow up, such as with the adjustable gastric band, and do not want the rearrangement of intestines such as with the gastric bypass. The risks and weight loss with the gastric sleeve are in between that of the adjustable gastric band and gastric bypass.

The resolution of co-morbidities after surgery is exceptional and consistently ranks amongst the highest resolution rates of all bariatric procedures. Patients can expect to lose up to 70% of their excess body weight within several months of their surgery.

Recovery:

Due to the minimally invasive nature of the surgery, gastric sleeve patients can expect to leave the hospital within 1 to 2 days in most cases. The stomach area will likely remain swollen and tender for several days as the body recovers from surgery, however scarring will be minimal compared to traditional open surgery. Full recovery will depend on the patient, but usually requires 3 weeks. The final determination of when the patient can resume normal activity will depend on the surgeon’s assessment.

Benefits of the Gastric Sleeve

• The gastric sleeve is a straightforward procedure that simply cuts away 75% of the existing stomach. Fewer intricacies often mean fewer complications.
• Because the procedure is performed in a minimally invasive manner, recovery time is reduced and pain and blood loss is often reduced significantly.
• Gastric sleeve patients may experience the benefits of fewer hunger pangs because the fundus, which produces the hormone ghrelin, is removed during surgery.
• The sleeve can be revised easily if weight loss results are not up to patient expectations.

Risks and Considerations of the Gastric Sleeve

• As with any surgical procedure, the gastric sleeve does have risks associated with surgery in general, and abdominal and bariatric surgery specifically. The risks should be evaluated; to learn more please contact our office.
• The staple line created during the procedure may leak, requiring immediate revisional surgery.
• The sleeve does not provide malabsorption, which means that potential weight loss is lower when compared to the gastric bypass.

Other Bariatric Procedures:

Gastric Band
Gastric Bypass
Lap Band®
Realize® Band
Gastric Plication