Gastric Sleeve Operation

Recently we have noticed that more and more patients are choosing to have a laparoscopic gastric sleeve operation. I have now performed over 80 of these operations and patients seem to be generally very pleased with the results. Their weight loss is quite good having lost an average of 87 lbs in the first year which is 78% of their excess weight. The range of weight loss is between 41% and 102% of their excess weight.

The weight loss appears to occurring in a very similar fashion to the weight loss from a gastric bypass. nearly all of the weight is lost in the first year.

There is no rearranging of the small intestine and therefore vitamins and calcium are not medically necessary although still a good idea.

A gastric sleeve operation is likely to improve or resolve many obesity related medical problems such as sleep apnea, urinary stress incontinence and high cholesterol but it is not as good as a gastric bypass to resolve type II diabetes or severe gastroesophageal reflux.

The complication rates are low and the two most frequent problems have become even more infrequent in our practice over the last year. Fairly early in our series we had two people who had leaks along the staple line and two patients had narrowing of the sleeve which was treated with revision to a gastric bypass. Neither of these problems have occurred since we have gained more experience with the procedure but they are still a possibility.

All operations have been able to be performed laparoscopically with no conversion to open operation.

All commercial insurance companies in our area cover a gastric sleeve except Anthem/Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.
I feel a gastric sleeve operation is an excellent option for patients who do not have severe type II diabetes or severe gastroesophageal reflux disease.