Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Quick Weight Loss Option

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is an operation in which approximately 70-80% of the left side of stomach is removed laparoscopically. The large portion of stomach is removed and your stomach takes the shape of a tube, a banana or sleeve. It works by restricting the food intake and therefore it is known as restrictive form of weight loss surgery. It leaves a stomach capacity ranging from 60cc to 150cc. In addition, it also removes that part of stomach that contain appetite stimulating hormone “Ghrelin” thereby decreasing your appetite significantly.

Unlike other type of bariatric procedure, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery doesn’t involve abnormal tract, foreign body placement, malabsorption or any blind tracts. Sleeve gastrectomy is now considered as primary weight loss procedure for its favorable outcomes and simplicity.

In this procedure the function of the stomach is preserved while the stomach size is reduced drastically. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is not reversible unlike Gastric Banding. It can be performed as a single stage procedure for not extremely obese patients. In extremely obese individual ( BMI>60 ) is can be performed as two stage procedure, where it can be followed by gastric bypass after initial weight loss. About 70%-80% of excess weight is lost at the end of 1.5 years with improvement in obesity associated medical conditions. In addition to weight loss quality of life improves considerably.

How Is Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Done?

Patients are expected to get some investigations done before the surgery. These tests includes cholesterol levels, blood sugar, vitamins, minerals, sonography and sleep study in case of patients suffering from sleep apnea. Once the surgery date has been decided, patients are required to go on a high protein,low carbohydrate and low fat diet. This diet has to be started 7-10 days prior the surgery date. It helps in term of decreasing the liver swelling and making the operation easier.

As surgery is done with minimally invasive technique (Laparoscopy) the hospital stay doesn’t exceed 2-3 days. There are about 4-5 tiny incision on the stomach which heal quickly and with time the scar becomes invisible. The stitches dissolve on their own and so they do not hamper daily activities like sleeping on the stomach, turning around, bathing, walking, driving and so so. If the surgery is done by a skillful doctor patients can resume work within a couple of days Patients are advised to walk around from the day of the surgery as it fastens the healing process. Post surgery patients are advised on their diet and exercise. Most of the patients.

Remember: To go for surgical options for obesity before trying other dieting, exercise or drug treatment is not recommended. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy should be kept as last options if other options fails. Consult your doctor in details about your medications or past and current medical conditions before going for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.