Sleeve gastrectomy

sleeve gastrectomy diagram

What is sleeve gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This smaller stomach can hold less food, which can lead to a feeling of fullness after eating smaller amounts of food.

The procedure also leads to a reduction in the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which can also contribute to weight loss.

Recovery

Sleeve gastrectomy is considered a less invasive option than other weight loss surgeries and typically has a shorter recovery time. Recovery typically takes several weeks. 

In the immediate aftermath of the surgery, patients may experience some pain and discomfort in the surgical area, as well as nausea and vomiting. Dr Lorenzo will prescribe medication to deal with this. Patients will typically stay in the hospital for several days to be monitored for complications and to begin the process of healing.

After being discharged from the hospital, patients will need to follow a specific diet and exercise plan to ensure proper healing and to help them lose weight. The diet will start with liquids and progress to pureed and soft foods, before moving on to solid foods. Four post-operative dietetics follow-ups are included in our surgery package.

Patients are usually able to return to work and other normal activities within 2-4 weeks after the surgery, but they will need to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. You will also need to attend follow-up appointments with Dr Lorenzo every two weeks until you are on a regular diet so he can monitor your progress and address any complications. You will then see Dr Lorenzo every three months for the first years and every six months in the second year.

Starting six weeks after the operation, you will also see our exercise physiologist for the first of four follow-up consultations.

Risks

Obesity surgery, like many other surgeries, is generally safe with minimal complications. However, there are different risks associated with different approaches.

  • Bleeding, infections can occur in any surgery with a risk of <1% for each.
  • Staple line leaks occur in <1% in those undergoing gastric sleeve surgery