Sleeve gastrectomy: all you need to know

Top Doctors recently spoke to Mr Sanjay Agrawal, a highly proficient and well-regarded bariatric, laparoscopic, and upper GI surgeon, to get an insight into what exactly a sleeve gastrectomy is, what the operation entails, and what the main benefits of undergoing this procedure are.

What exactly is a sleeve gastrectomy?

It is a type of weight loss surgery. The size of the patient’s stomach is reduced by removing the lateral two thirds of the stomach (approximately 75 to 85 per cent). This is done with a stapling device, which shapes the remaining part of the stomach into a tube or sleeve, which allows patients to only be able to eat small meals.

On average, how much excess body weight do patients lose in a sleeve gastrectomy procedure?

Patients generally lose up to between 50 to 60 per cent of their excess body weight within a year after undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy operation.

Is it non-reversible?

Yes, it is a non-reversible and permanent surgical procedure.

What exactly does the operation involve, and how long does it take?

A sleeve gastrectomy is performed under a general anaesthetic, and it usually takes between one to two hours. Your surgeon will make a small cut in your abdomen in order for an instrument to be inserted into your abdominal cavity. This instrument will be inflated with gas.

Your surgeon will then make several small cuts in the abdomen area to be able to effectively and safely insert tubes (also known as ports) into your abdomen. Following this, surgical instruments will be carefully inserted through the ports along with a telescope so that the surgeon can see inside your abdomen.

What are the main benefits of having a sleeve gastrectomy?

There are many benefits to undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy. The main ones include the following:

• long-term weight loss
• improvement in obesity-related health complications
• decreased hunger
• less of a chance of developing vitamin deficiency

What long-term complications might I suffer from after a sleeve gastrectomy?

There are, unfortunately, some long-term side effects or complications that patients who have undergone a sleeve gastrectomy may suffer from. These include:

• acid reflux
• adhesions
• gallstones development
• nutritional deficiencies

When can I return to work?

You will be able to return to work after three to four weeks following a sleeve gastrectomy.

Mr Sanjay Agrawal is a highly esteemed bariatric, laparoscopic, and upper GI surgeon who specialises in sleeve gastrectomy. Visit his Top Doctors profile today to book an appointment with him.