Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What is a gastric sleeve and how is laparoscopic gastric sleeve weight loss surgery performed?
The laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve (also known as sleeve gastrectomy or VSG) involves the surgical removal of the left side of the stomach (around 70% of the stomach is removed). This results in a new stomach which is similar in shape and size to a banana. It's also similar in shape to the sleeve of a coat, and the name comes from this resemblance. The left portion of the stomach is separated from its natural attachments, then the stomach is cut and sealed with a special stapling device (special medical grade FDA approved stapling and cutting device Endo GIA made by Covidien Autosuture™ in the U.S.A.) and finally the whole staple line is reinforced with suture. This device is the only one used by Dr. Rosales in his practice. Be careful when you see very low surgery costs because the quality of materials might not be the same!

PROCEDURE SEQUENCE

• It is a much less invasive bariatric procedure and therefore has a lower morbidity rate.
  
  
• It does not involve the placement of a foreign device as in the gastric band.
  
  
• It does not involve any risky stomach or intestinal re-routing.
  
  
• Since there is no re-routing, there is no dumping syndrome.
  
  
• It is the only procedure that involves the removal of the portion of stomach that produces the hunger hormone "ghrelin" so it will effectively reduce hunger strikes.
  
  
• Fullness and satisfaction is achieved with just small portions of food.
  
  
• It does not limit or restrict the type of food you are able to eat. You will be able to eat anything! But in small, healthy portions.
  
  
• The reduced intake of food because of the restriction and lack of hunger strikes results in dramatic weight loss!
  
  
• Weight loss won't be drastic in a very short period of time, letting your body and skin to more easily adapt to a constant and healthier weight loss pattern.
  
  
• It adjusts to every person's needs. Even if "adjustments" are neither possible nor necessary, the sleeve is considered a "smart" procedure which leads patients to their goal weight and just after this, the weight loss stalls.
  
  
• Requires no periodic and costly testing and measuring levels of vitamins, minerals, etc. It is practically maintenance free!
  
  
• No need for uncomfortable preoperative intestinal or colon cleansing
  

• The operation requires 5 very small incisions.
  
  
• Minimal postoperative pain.
  
  
• Very fast recovery (two night hospital stay) and the possibility to enjoy a quicker return to normal activities.
  
  
• Decreased risk of wound infection and hernia formation.
  
  
• Minimal scarring.
  
  

INCISIONS

• Anyone who is looking for considerable and sustained weight loss without all the risks and side effects of a malabsorption procedure.
  
  
• Anyone who does not wish to have the expense of performing permanent monthly or periodic testing to evaluate nutritional status.
  
  
• Anyone who has concerns about developing the not too uncommon side effects of the any malabsorption procedure such as the gastric bypass: intestinal obstruction, marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
  
  
• Those who are considering a gastric band but are concerned about a foreign body inside the body AND do not want to get periodic fills until they reach their goal weight.
  
  
• Anyone who wishes to have a weight loss surgery BUT his/her medical condition is complex and contraindicates extensive operating room time.
  
  
• Patients that have had a bad experience with gastric band situations such as band slippage, erosion, port site infection, etc.

• Depending on your BMI Dr. Rosales will let you know if a preoperative diet will be required in order to reduce the size of your liver and therefore reduce the risks of complications during surgery leading to a faster and smoother recovery.
  
  
• Blood work, chest x-ray and EKG will also be performed before surgery.
  
  
• Preoperative consultation from specialists, such as cardiologist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, etc may be needed depending on your own specific medical condition, we will let you know if you will need this evaluation before your surgery.

• After surgery you might feel some pain in the shoulder and/or in the left upper area of your abdomen, perfectly manageable with medications. It is also common to wake up with a "pressure" sensation in your lower chest or upper abdomen.
  
  
• Activity is dependent on how you feel. Usually, that very same day, a few hours after your surgery, you will be able to stand up on your own to walk around, actually walking is encouraged because this helps you to recover even faster!
  
  
• Liquids will be given to you the morning after your surgery, after performing a final leak test.
  
  
• Forty eight hours after your procedure you will be able to return back home, once Dr. Rosales makes sure you are in optimal condition to leave the hospital.
  
  
• You will probably be able to return to normal activities within a week's time. Return to work usually can also be seven days after your surgery, depending on the nature of your job.
  
  
• You will notice the restriction right away, so you only need to get ready to start losing weight and enjoy your new life!