Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

80% of the stomach is removed, limiting the amount of food that can be taken and powerfully suppressing hunger.

Pros

• Removes the part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone (Ghrelin)
• By avoiding intestinal bypass, less chance of intestinal blockage or vitamin deficiency
• Good first stage procedure for very big patients (> 160kg or BMI > 55kg/m²)
• Results show promise as definitive procedure for patients with BMI 35-45kg/m²

Cons

• Potential for inadequate weight loss because no intestinal bypass is done
• Bigger patients may need to have a second stage procedure later
• Soft calories from food like ice cream can be absorbed and may slow weight loss
• Staple line leaks can occur
• Not reversible, but can be converted to another weight loss procedure

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is explained in detail in our patient information booklet (pdf, 0.4MB).