Hi Kelly
There are lots of very succesful sleevers on here. Some have had to have it because at the time of the op a bypass wasnt possible. Others just as a stand alone procedure. Do you know if they do the sleeve at your hospital though? I dont know of anyone in your area on here that has one.
Could be wrong though x
Here is some info for you - my OH is hoping to have a sleeve too.
Gastric Sleeve
The sleeve gastrectomy is a lesser known procedure and suits a specific type of weight loss requirement. With expected loss of 30 - 50% excess weight in the first 12 months (source: BOSPA), the gastric sleeve is more aggressive than a gastric band, but not such a major operation as a gastric bypass and can therefore suit those for whom the bypass may be considered inadvisable due to health complications.
The gastric sleeve can be considered as a step towards gastric bypass, in that it can later be converted if required. However, for others, the sleeve may enable them to lose enough weight with a sleeve gastrectomy alone, so that the second stage of the operation is not required.
Who does it suit?
The gastric sleeve is a
stomach reduction procedure. As such, it is a longer and more complicated procedure than the gastric band, but unlike the band, it cannot be "cheated" as it works to reduce the size of the whole stomach, not just restrict the entry to the stomach. Weight loss is usually more rapid than the band, as a sleeve gastrectomy significantly reduces appetite and ability to eat large portions.
Like the bypass, the sleevectomy is irreversible. However, compared to the bypass, it is less traumatic in that it does not require any "rerouting" or "reconnecting" of the intestines, so the stomach functions as normal, but with a smaller capacity. As a result, there are fewer restrictions on the types of food which patients can consume after surgery. This is seen by many patients as being one of the great advantages of the sleeve gastrectomy - the procedure reduces appetite and therefore helps patients to control their food volume intake.
Where required, in a subsequent procedure, the sleeve can be converted to a bypass. However, this is not always the case - it is a very effective procedure on its own for many patients.
The procedure is advised for patients with a BMI of 35+, although dependent on your individual circumstances, a band or a bypass may be advised. The vertical sleeve gastrectomy is usually recommended for patients who are either extremely overweight or whose medical condition would rule out other forms of surgery. It is best to see one of our friendly professionals to discuss your own circumstances and take expert advice on which procedure is right for you.
How does it work?
The gastric sleeve procedure is normally done as key hole surgery and involves a vertical removal of up to 75% of the stomach area. This means that the stomach continues to function as normal, but is simply smaller, which reduces the appetite and makes it easier to cut down dramatically on calorie intake. In addition, the portion of the stomach that is removed is the area responsible for secreting the hormone "Ghrelin", which is responsible for appetite and hunger - the near elimination of this "hunger hormone" results in a significant reduction or loss of appetite.
Patients achieve 30-50% weight loss in the first year and this is increased if they also follow sensible dietary advice from our dietitians (i.e. low fat, low sugar, low alcohol, high fruit/veg...). The sleeve is a tool to help the patient manage their food intake.
- Non-reversible procedure
- Usually Laproscopic – Key hole surgery
- Hospital stay 1-3 nights
- Non - malabsorbative procedure
- Nutrient supplements less likely to be required
- Can be converted to Gastric Bypass as second phase
Hope this helps!