Gastric Sleeve (LSG or Sleeve Gastrectomy)

The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a surgical option that induces weight loss by restricting food intake. With this procedure, approximately 70 to 80 percent of the stomach is removed laparoscopically so that the stomach takes the shape of a tube or "sleeve" which is roughly the size and shape of a banana. The stomach that is removed is one of the key areas that produces grehlin, a hormone which stimulates hunger and appetite.

Since the operation does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting of the intestines, it is a simpler operation than the gastric bypass or the duodenal switch. In addition, unlike the Lap-Band® procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not require the implantation of an artificial device inside the abdomen.

Studies have found with this operation that average weight loss is between 33 to 83 percent of excess body weight. This weight loss usually happens between one and two years post-operatively with most occurring within the first year.

Is the Gastric Sleeve right for you? Learn more from our surgeons by watching the informational videos above!

Individuals who should consider the Gastric Sleeve procedure include:

• Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency.

• Those who are considering a Lap-Band® but are concerned about a foreign body inside the abdomen.

• Those who have medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery, such as anemia, crohn's disease, extensive prior surgery, or other complex medical conditions.

• People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider this surgical option. Usually, these types of medications need to be avoided after a gastric bypass due to the higher risk of ulcers.

• It might also be a viable option for patients who have a problem with their lap band that would require revision, but who have already lost a substantial amount of weight and do not want a full bypass. Current studies indicate the weight loss seems to be slightly better and more rapid than the lap band (60 to 70 percent excess weight) over two years. However, there is still no long-term data.

Gastric Sleeve as a step toward Gastric Bypass

For patients with a body mass index greater than 60, the sleeve gastrectomy may be the first part of a two-stage operation. Some patients have a body shape that can make a bariatric surgery more technically difficult – particularly those patients who carry their weight in their belly. If you fall into this category, you may benefit from a two-stage bariatric surgery.

In the staged approach, a multi-step operation like the gastric bypass or the duodenal switch is broken down into two simpler and safer operations. In the first stage, a sleeve gastrectomy is performed. This allows a patient to lose 80 to 100 pounds or more, making the second part of the operation substantially safer.