Dr. John A. Copp

Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery involves removing the lateral 2/3 rds of the stomach using a stapling device, creating a tube. It is performed laparoscopically ( keyhole surgery).The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic. Removal of the stomach is permanent although some stretching of the stomach will occur overtime.

It is considered to be a safer operation and is less invasive than a gastric bypass.

 

Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy:

 

• There is no prosthetic device or foreign body left in the body after surgery, only a line of staples.

• Significant weight loss while good in itself, often results in improvements in other significant co-morbidities including blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnoea, joint pain, reflux and fatty liver disease.

• The need for follow up is less than with other weight loss surgeries.

 

Disadvantages:

• While removal of the stomach is permanent, the make stretch over time with patients experiencing the return of  hunger and eating larger meals.

• This may result in weight regain.

• The greater the level of obesity and existence of other medical conditions prior to surgery, the higher the risk of complications.