Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a relatively new form of bariatric procedure. Despite it being a relative novel bariatric procedure, an increasing number of people are opting for gastric sleeve surgery in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Delhi, San Jose and other medical tourism destinations. Seeing the preliminary results of this surgery, some doctors claim that in the future it may become a very common bariatric surgery, if not the most popular one.

This procedure is known by a number of alternative names such as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastroplasty, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, and Sleeve Gastroplasty. This article discusses gastric sleeve surgery in general along with some of the advantages and disadvantages to be kept in mind when considering the procedure.

Overview of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Sleeve was first performed in England in 2002 as a standalone weight loss procedure for anyone with a BMI greater than 35.

Traditionally, this weight loss surgery is performed in the first phase of a two-stage bariatric procedure for super obese patients.

It is being increasingly adopted as a standalone surgery for lower BMI patients as well.

In this bariatric surgery, the surgeon removes approximately 60 to 80 percent of the stomach laparoscopically.

In the first stage of the operation the surgeon creates a tube out of the stomach by using staples. The portion of the stomach that is stapled out is them removed. This results in a small sized stomach which takes the shape of a “sleeve”, a “banana” or a “tube”.

According to a published research study, a hormone called Ghrelin makes one hungry, slows down metabolism, and decreases the body’s ability to burn fat. This hormone is produced in the stomach. Gastric Sleeve surgery removes the section of the stomach in which Ghrelin is produced. The non production of this hunger inducing hormone results in stifling appetite.

Gastric sleeve works in two ways – one, by reducing the stomach size to accommodate only small amounts of food, and two, by helping reduce the hormones that are responsible for hunger pangs. This is the reason Gastric Sleeve surgery is believed to be superior by many doctors.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Can result in 30 to 60% excess weight loss within 12 months of the procedure

Less invasive than gastric bypass and does not result in altering or cutting of the intestines

No dumping syndrome associated with gastric sleeve

No malabsorption as in the case of gastric bypass surgery

No dependence on nutritional supplements

No foreign device in the body, unlike a LAP BAND

Considered less risky for high BMI patients

Better for patients with complex medical conditions

Less dietary restrictions