Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss

The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a "restrictive" weight loss surgery that involves removal of the stomach Fundus area. This area is the main source of the production of Ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates the appetite. Food intake is reduced as a result of decreased appetite.
 Sleeve gastrectomy also removes the portion of the stomach that acts as a storage area for food. This results in a banana shaped stomach that will decrease the amount of food that you can comfortably eat.
 
The sleeve gastrectomy was originally designed in 2003 as one stage of a two-staged procedure in Gastric Bypass patients with a BMI of 60 or greater. It was endorsed in March, 2009 at the International Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy as a "stand alone" procedure for weight loss.

The gastric sleeve is conceptually similar to a LAP-BAND® in that it is a restrictive procedure, though most studies show that weight loss is less than with a Gastric Bypass, but more than with a LAP-BAND®  surgery.

 Considerations for Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Unlike the Lap-Band® surgery, adjustments cannot be made.
  
• Sleeve gastrectomy does not require the implantation of a foreign device. 
  
• Perioperative risk appears low, even in high BMI patients.
• No Dumping Syndrome.
• Excess body weight loss reported in the 35-85% range. One to two pound loss per week with an overall weight loss of 35-60% is average for the first 12-18 months.
• Irreversible, but gastric sleeve may be converted to bypass if weight loss is inadequate.
• Sleeve gastrectomy requires long-term vitamin and mineral supplements, as with gastric bypass patients.
• 5 year American data reported, though long-term data beyond this point not yet available.
• Now being covered by some insurance companies.
  

 

To learn more about sleeve gastrectomy and consult with Dr. Collier, respected and experienced Houston area weight loss surgeon, call 281.367.2263.  Dr. Collier serves patients throughout the Houston area, including The Woodlands, Conroe, Kingwood, Huntsville, Humble and Spring, Texas.