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Morbidly obese individuals often suffer from a variety of illnesses directly related to their excess weight. Called co-morbidities, obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea can go hand-in-hand with obesity. Fortunately, these and other ailments can also qualify a patient for gastric sleeve surgery, a bariatric procedure proven effective for the treatment of morbid obesity.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery—more commonly known as the gastric sleeve procedure—restricts food consumption through the removal of 70-85% of the patient’s stomach. The remaining section of the stomach is stitched in the shape of a long tube or sleeve. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is still connected directly to the lower intestine so the procedure does not induce malabsorption.
Qualifying for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
“Candidates for the vertical sleeve gastrectomy are generally at least 100 pounds overweight if they are male, or 80 pounds overweight if they are female,” said Dr. David Provost, a bariatric surgeon in Denton, TX. In addition, patients must have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40, Dr. Provost noted. (A BMI of 18.5 – 24.9 is considered normal, whereas 25.0 – 29.9 is overweight and 30.0 or above is clinically obese.) In addition, patients usually have to be diagnosed with one or more comorbidities to qualify for any type of weight loss surgery.
Gastric sleeve surgery often is performed prior to gastric bypass surgery or a duodenal switch procedure to help morbidly obese individuals with the first stage of their weight loss. Because the surgery is performed laparoscopically and does not involve rerouting the intestines, it is generally considered less risky than both the gastric bypass and duodenal switch procedure. Gastric sleeve surgery also is frequently recommended for patients who cannot maintain the follow-up regimen required with adjustable gastric banding procedures, such as the Lap-Band® or Realize® Band.
Risks and Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is a relatively new procedure, and long-term risks and benefits beyond five years are not known. Current research and anecdotal evidence indicate that patients lose 50% to 80% of the excess weight in the first 6-12 months after surgery. In addition, many obesity-related illnesses, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, are completely resolved as a result of the weight loss.
“Unlike gastric banding surgery, the surgeon does not implant a device during the procedure and patients do not have to see their surgeon for follow-up adjustments,” said Dr. Provost, who has practiced bariatric surgery for nearly 20 years. Similarly, gastric sleeve surgery does cause malabsorption, like gastric bypass surgery, reducing the risk of malnutrition and uncomfortable side effects, like dumping syndrome.
As with any bariatric procedure, patients face the risk of infection, scarring, and blood clots; however, these risks can be minimized by following preoperative guidelines, including quitting smoking for at least one month prior to surgery. Other risks include hernia, leakage along the suture line, and weight regain over time.
Finally, like other weight loss surgery procedures, the gastric sleeve requires patients to make a permanent lifestyle adjustment. They will need to eat smaller meals more frequently, avoid foods high in fat and sugar, and get regular physical activity to achieve and maintain a normal weight. For individuals who are morbidly obese, those changes represent a small sacrifice compared to the dramatic improvements in physical and emotional health that follow the remarkable weight loss resulting from the surgery.
Dr. David Provost performs weight loss surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery , in Denton, Texas. He advises morbidly obese individuals who have not been able to keep weight off with diet and exercise alone to consider weight loss surgery as a treatment option. |
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