Did you know that between 2008 and 2018, around 6.5 million people underwent bariatric surgery? This professes to the lifesaving nature and popularity of such procedures. [1]
There are different types of weight loss surgeries. The most popular of them is gastric sleeve, sometimes known as sleeve gastrectomy. According to statistics, there are about 380,000 of it performed worldwide each year. [2]
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery entails the removal of about 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, tube-shaped pouch. The result is reduced amount of food you can consume and altered hunger hormones (such as ghrelin), leading to decreased appetite.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery comes with several benefits:
- It's a relatively straightforward procedure with no rerouting of the intestines. That makes it simple.
- Patients typically shed between 60-70% of their body weight in the first year. [3]
- Patients report significant improvements in conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
However, despite these benefits, there are odds that a reduced stomach size leads to less absorption of certain nutrients. You may be on lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation as a result. This procedure is also irreversible.
These are some of the benefits and drawbacks of gastric sleeve surgeries. If you feel that this line of weight loss procedures suits your needs, you may do well to talk to your doctor. Let them advise you on the best approach to get to a healthy weight based on your needs.
Other Bariatric Surgery Options
While gastric sleeve bypass is by far the most common type of weight loss surgery, it's not the only one out there.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
The Roux-en-Y obesity surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch from the upper portion of the stomach. Surgeons then reroute a portion of the small intestine to connect directly to this new pouch. These changes mean that food bypasses most of the stomach and part of the small intestine, translating to reduced food intake and nutrient absorption.
Successful outcomes for this type of surgery include weight loss, reduced appetite, and a resolution or improvement of conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.
The flip side, though, is that you may experience nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption. The procedure might also leave you on life-long supplementation and dealing with dumping syndrome (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when you consume high-sugar or high-fat foods).
Adjustable Gastric Banding
This approach to weight loss sees an inflatable silicone band placed around the upper part of your stomach, creating a small pouch above it. The pouch is adjustable by adding or removing saline solution via a port under the skin. This controls how much food passes into the lower stomach.
The good thing about this procedure is that it's reversible, less risky, and adjustable to fit your progress and needs. On the flip side, the weight loss process is slower, and there are possible complications, including band slippage.
Duodenal Switch
The duodenal switch combines a sleeve gastrectomy to reduce stomach size and intestinal rerouting to shorten the length of the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. This is a recipe for maximum weight loss, with about 83.9% of patients reporting a successful outcome. [4]
But it's not just about losing weight. The duodenal switch also keeps off lost weight long-term and is excellent in reversing obesity-related conditions. However, it's risky and by far the most expensive weight loss option. Like all the other procedures, you'll also be on life-long supplementation.
Is Gastric Sleeve the Best Choice for You?
To decide if sleeve gastrectomy surgery is the most optimal option, consider the following questions:
What Are Your Weight Loss Goals?
If you're looking for moderate to significant weight loss without extreme malabsorption, gastric sleeve might be for you. If it's maximum weight loss, go for a duodenal switch.
Do You Prefer Simplicity?
Gastric sleeve is way less invasive than gastric bypass. Also, it doesn't involve ongoing adjustments like gastric banding.
Are You Prepared for Lifelong Commitment?
All bariatric surgeries demand permanent changes in eating habits and regular follow-ups. You may also be on supplements for the rest of your life, so ask yourself whether you're willing to go down this road.
Cost and Accessibility
In Sydney, costs may vary depending on the hospital, surgeon, and insurance coverage. Do your math and make sure your finances align with the procedure.
Closing Thoughts
While gastric sleeve surgery has become increasingly popular due to its effectiveness and relative simplicity, it may not be the "best" choice for everyone. The "best" is one that's 100% in line with your long-term health and well-being goals. Talk to an experienced bariatric surgeon in Sydney and let them help you come up with the most appropriate weight loss program to suit your situation.
Sources
1. "Epidemiology of the surgical management of obesity", Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878788622001783
2. "Gastric Sleeve Surgery", source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22931-gastric-sleeve-surgery
3. "Gastric Sleeve", Source: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/bariatrics/gastric-sleeve
4. "Duodenal Switch Provides Superior Weight Loss in the Super-Obese (BMI ≥50kg/m2) Compared With Gastric Bypass", Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1856567/
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