Sleeve Gastrectomy

How is Sleeve Gastrectomy done?

Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Tube or sleeve gastrectomy involves removing the lateral ¾ of the stomach with a stapling device. This operation can be done laparoscopically (keyhole) but is not reversable. It basically leaves a stomach tube instead of a stomach sack. The sleeve gastrectomy is the only truly reductive procedure. It leaves patients with a small but functionally normal stomach which allows a near normal selection of foods in much reduced volume. Expected weight loss with a sleeve gastrectomy operation is 40 – 60% of excess body weight over a 12 month period.

However as with all surgery the advantages and disadvantages need to be weighed up.

Advantages of sleeve gastrectomy

• Stomach volume is reduced in size, but functions normally after sleeve gastrectomy.
• Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI>55kg/m2).
• Minimises the chance of an ulcer occuring in the stomach
• Sleeve gastrectomy has only a small risk of bowel blockage or vomitting from a blocked stomach
• Much less food intolerance than after a gastric band
• Can be done keyhole (laparoscopically)

Disadvantages of sleeve gastrectomy

• The sleeve gastrectomy operation is not reversible. Although the other major surgeries for obesity are difficult to reverse, they are not impossible. Because the stomach is partly removed, it cannot be replaced.
• Sleeve gastrectomy is a fairly new operation. The long term outcomes of this surgery are unknown.

As with all major surgery the risk of death or prolonged hospital stay is also a consideration.

Post-operation diet advice for Sleeve Gastrectomy

The changes to your digestive system involved in sleeve gastrectomy mean that you will need to follow a specific diet. A dietician will see you before you are discharged from hospital to assist you with the changes needed for your new lifestyle.

• Eat small, frequent meals at least six times per day.
• Everyone tolerates foods differently. Avoid those foods known to cause you problems.

Dumping syndrome with Sleeve Gastrectomy
When food or fluids move too quickly through your digestive system, it’s called 'dumping syndrome'. Symptoms of dumping syndrome following a sleeve gastrectomy are:

• Nausea
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Weakness and fatigue
• Rapid pulse
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea

Tips to help avoid dumping syndrome following a sleeve gastrectomy

• Don’t drink liquids with your meals. Wait a half to one full hour after eating food to drink something.
• Limit sweets. Use sugar-free foods and drinks in place of regular sweet foods or drinks.
• Lactose (milk sugar) may also cause diarrhea and cramping. Drink lactose-free or lactose reduced milk.
• Avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol.
• Eat slowly and chew your food carefully.

Special note:
A multi vitamin should be introduced to your diet before your sleeve gastrectomy operation, and you will need to continue this after your operation. To ensure you are meeting all your vitamin dietary requirements (B12 etc), you should also have blood tests taken six monthly.

More information on Sleeve Gastrectomy

All of the information you need to know, pre and post-operatively, will be made available to you in separate information packs given to you before and after your surgery. Our practice nurse, Kylie, will also be able to assist you with any questions that you might have at any time about Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Consent form

You are required to fill out a consent form prior to Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. You can obtain a form from our clinic or download the consent form and print it out yourself.