Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is one of the most commonly performed weight-loss surgeries worldwide. It is a bariatric procedure designed to help individuals with obesity achieve significant weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach. This guide provides a detailed overview of the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and long-term outcomes.

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of approximately 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow, tube-like portion that resembles a sleeve. This smaller stomach limits the amount of food you can consume, which in turn reduces calorie intake and promotes weight loss. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy does not involve rerouting the intestines, making it a simpler procedure with fewer potential complications.

How is Sleeve Gastrectomy Performed?

Preoperative Evaluation:

Before undergoing sleeve gastrectomy, patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine their suitability for the procedure. This includes a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies. Patients are also typically required to follow a preoperative diet to reduce liver size and make the surgery safer.

The Surgical Procedure:

Sleeve gastrectomy is usually performed laparoscopically, meaning it involves small incisions and the use of a camera (laparoscope) to guide the surgery. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts surgical instruments to remove a large portion of the stomach. The remaining stomach is stapled to create a narrow tube or "sleeve." The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

Recovery and Hospital Stay:

After surgery, patients usually spend 1-2 days in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. During this time, they are encouraged to start walking to promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of complications. Patients will begin with a liquid diet, gradually transitioning to pureed foods, and eventually to solid foods over the course of several weeks.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Significant Weight Loss:

Sleeve gastrectomy is highly effective for long-term weight loss. On average, patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight within 12-18 months after surgery. This significant weight loss can lead to improvements in obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Improvement in Obesity-Related Health Conditions:

Many patients experience a marked improvement or even complete resolution of obesity-related comorbidities after sleeve gastrectomy. This includes conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and joint pain, significantly enhancing the patient’s overall quality of life.

Simpler Procedure with Fewer Complications:

Compared to other bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy is a less complex procedure with a shorter operative time and lower risk of complications. Since it does not involve rerouting the intestines, patients are less likely to experience nutritional deficiencies.

No Foreign Objects:

Unlike gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy does not involve the insertion of foreign objects into the body, which reduces the risk of long-term complications related to implants.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, sleeve gastrectomy carries certain risks and potential complications. These may include:

Surgical Risks:

Like all major surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy involves risks such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are generally low when the procedure is performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon.

Leakage from Staple Line:

One of the most serious potential complications is leakage from the staple line where the stomach was divided. This can lead to infection and requires prompt medical attention.

Nutritional Deficiencies:

While the risk of nutritional deficiencies is lower compared to other bariatric procedures, patients may still experience deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, particularly if they do not adhere to dietary guidelines and supplement recommendations.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

Some patients may develop or experience worsening GERD (acid reflux) after sleeve gastrectomy due to changes in stomach anatomy.

Long-Term Outcomes and Lifestyle Changes

Sustained Weight Loss:

Long-term studies show that patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy can maintain significant weight loss for many years. However, long-term success depends on the patient’s commitment to healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Dietary Changes:

Post-surgery, patients must adhere to a new way of eating. This includes consuming smaller, more frequent meals and focusing on nutrient-dense foods to ensure adequate nutrition. Patients are also advised to avoid high-calorie, sugary foods that can hinder weight loss and cause "dumping syndrome."

Regular Follow-Up:

Patients will need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress, address any concerns, and adjust dietary or lifestyle recommendations as needed.

Psychological Support:

Weight loss surgery is not just a physical journey; it also involves significant psychological changes. Patients may benefit from counseling or support groups to help them adjust to their new lifestyle and maintain their weight loss goals.

Conclusion

Sleeve gastrectomy is a highly effective and relatively safe option for individuals struggling with severe obesity. By reducing the size of the stomach, this procedure helps patients achieve significant weight loss, leading to improvements in various obesity-related health conditions and overall quality of life.

Our Team

Our team has over 3,000 operations of experience, and all procedures are performed in "NB Obesity and Diabetes Hospital", located at Kadıköy/Istanbul, that is fully specialized and focused on bariatric surgery. Postoperative care is provided by nurses and staff who are highly experienced in obesity surgery. Additionally, the hospital is equipped with experienced doctors, personnel, and advanced technological equipment capable of handling and treating any complications that may arise.