Sleeve Gastrectomy
The Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most common weight loss surgery utilized in the United States. It is performed by removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach.
This procedure works by several mechanisms. Firstly the newly created stomach volume now allows for less food which results in less food consumption. The greater impact, however, seems to be the effect the surgery has on the gut's hormones which have an impact on a number of factors in weight including hunger, satiety, and blood sugar control.
Short term studies show that the Sleeve Gastrectomy is as effective as the rou-en-Y Gastric Bypass in terms of weight loss and improvement or remission of diabetes. There is also evidence that suggests the Sleeve Gastrectomy, similar to the Gastric Bypass, is effective in improving type 2 diabetes independent of the weight loss. The complication rates of the sleeve gastrectomy fall between those of the Adjustable Gastric Band and the roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.
Advantages:
- Produces a loss of about 60% - 70% of excess body weight, although, the long term outcome has not been shown yet the 3-5 year outcomes appear to be comparable to those of the Gastric Bypass
- Less likely to cause vitamin deficiencies
- Has the lowest long term complication rates in comparison to the Gastric Bypass or Duodenal Switch
Disadvantages:
- Can induce or worsen heartburn
- 3-5 year outcomes, based on follow up, suggests higher risk of weight regain than those of the Gastric Bypass or Duodenal Switch
