What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric Sleeve Surgery – medically termed Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) – is the most widely performed bariatric procedure worldwide. It is a restrictive and hormonal metabolic operation in which approximately 75% to 80% of the stomach is surgically removed along its greater curvature.
The remaining portion of the stomach is shaped into a vertical, banana-sized sleeve or tube using precise surgical stapling devices. Because the intestinal tract is not rerouted or reconnected, the natural pathway of food digestions remains intact. The primary mechanism works twofold:
- Volume Restriction: Reducing stomach capacity from ~1,500 mL down to ~100–150 mL.
- Ghrelin Suppression: The fundus—the primary site of production for the hunger hormone ghrelin—is permanently removed, significantly dampening post-operative appetite and cravings.
Who May Benefit from Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric Sleeve Surgery at Devarsh Multi-Speciality Hospital is ideal for patients seeking substantial, permanent weight loss without intestinal bypass:
- Patients with BMI > 35 kg/m²: Or BMI > 30 kg/m² with associated metabolic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes or Hypertension.
- Patients with Anemia or Micronutrient Deficiencies: Since the intestines are not bypassed, nutrient absorption remains unaltered, making it safer for patients prone to anemia.
- Patients taking Chronic Daily Medications: NSAIDs, organ transplant drugs, or psychiatric medications that require unmodified intestinal absorption.
- Patients with Extensive Abdominal Adhesions: Where bypass intestinal rerouting presents technical challenges.
Common Signs & Health Conditions That May Require Gastric Sleeve Surgery Consultation
Metabolic Conditions
- Early-to-Moderate Type 2 Diabetes
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFLD)
- Essential Hypertension
Physical & Psychological Impact
- Joint & Low Back Pain (Spinal Osteoarthritis)
- Severe Fatigue & Sleep Apnea Syndrome
- Emotional Distress & Failed Weight Loss
- High Risk of Cardiovascular Complications
Our Gastric Sleeve Surgery Procedures Include
At Devarsh Multi-Speciality Hospital, we offer multiple advanced approaches for sleeve gastrectomy tailored to patient preference and clinical profile:
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG): Performed via 4 to 5 small abdominal keyhole incisions using high-definition laparoscopy.
- Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Utilizing robotic assistance for high-precision staple-line creation and hand-sewn suture reinforcement.
- Single-Port Sleeve Gastrectomy: Executed entirely through a single hidden incision inside the navel for minimal visible scarring.
- Revisional Sleeve-to-Bypass Conversion: For patients who develop severe GERD or experience weight regain years after a sleeve gastrectomy.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric Sleeve Surgery provides clinical benefits:
- High Weight Loss Efficacy: Patients lose an average of 60% to 70% of their excess body weight within 12 to 18 months.
- Preserved Gastrointestinal Anatomy: No intestinal rerouting or bypass, avoiding risks of marginal ulcers or intestinal blockages.
- Appetite Reduction: Removal of the stomach fundus permanently drops hunger hormone levels.
- Pyloric Valve Preservation: The natural stomach outlet remains intact, preventing “Dumping Syndrome” commonly associated with bypass procedures.
- Comorbidity Remission: Dramatic improvement or complete cure of Type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Preparation & Evaluation
- Pre-Operative Clearance: Endoscopy, blood work, ECG, and pulmonary evaluation.
- 14-Day High-Protein Liquid Diet: Reduces liver volume to simplify surgical access to the upper stomach.
- Habit Restructuring: Training in mindful eating, stopping fluids 30 minutes before/after meals, and eliminating carbonated beverages.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Recovery & Aftercare
- Hospital Stay: 24 to 48 hours.
- Diet Phase: Liquid diet (Weeks 1-2) -> Pureed foods (Weeks 3-4) -> Soft solids (Month 2) -> Healthy balanced solids.
- Supplements: Daily bariatric multivitamin, calcium citrate, and protein supplements to maintain muscle mass.
