What is the gastric sleeve?
The gastric sleeve is a surgery to treat obesity that seeks to reduce the volume of the stomach and therefore its capacity.
This technique, also known as vertical gastrectomy or simply the “sleeve”, removes 75% to 80% of the stomach to leave a long tubular stomach. It is performed under general anesthesia.
Why is it performed?
The gastric sleeve is the first choice for patients with obesity, with a BMI over 50, who have not been able to lose the necessary weight through other methods such as a healthy diet and exercise. This technique is indicated for patients with extreme obesity, that is to say, with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40; but it can also be performed on patients with lesser degrees of obesity. It can also include those patients who have a BMI over 30 and who have an associated disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or metabolic syndrome.
Obesity is a pathology that carries many serious associated diseases, to the point of putting the patient’s life at risk. A person with obesity will easily present respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
The gastric sleeve is the first option for patients with obesity, with a BMI over 50.
What does it consist of?
Gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed laparoscopically in an operation that usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
The General Surgeon will make between 2 and 5 incisions in the abdomen, through which the laparoscope with a small camera will be introduced so that the surgeon can see the inside of the abdomen during the operation. Most of the stomach will then be removed, leaving a vertical tube shape. This is an irreversible procedure.
Preparation for the gastric sleeve
Before undergoing gastric sleeve, the patient will need to undergo various tests and examinations, such as a complete physical examination, blood tests and an ultrasound of the gallbladder to confirm that he or she is healthy enough to undergo the surgery.
Prior counseling with the help of a nutritionist may be necessary to cope with the change involved in this surgery and the possible risks.
Patients who smoke are advised to stop smoking several weeks before surgery and not to start smoking again after surgery. Smoking delays recovery and increases the risk of problems.
Care after the operation
Normally the patient can go home two days after surgery, and should take painkillers. The patient will be prescribed a diet and the diet will gradually introduce solid food little by little, and must be controlled by a nutritionist in order not to stretch the remaining stomach and to obtain the best results.
Alternatives to this treatment
An alternative to the gastric sleeve is the Gastric Bypass technique, in which the stomach is cut at the top to build a smaller one, of only 50 cc of volume. In addition, a piece of small intestine is also cut, which is then attached to the new stomach at one end and at the other end to another area of the intestine.