Puget Sound Surgical Center - Stomach Sleeve Gastrectomy - Seattle Weight Loss Surgery and Bariatric Experts


	Sleeve Gastrectomy The sleeve gastrectomy is an operation in which the left side of the stomach is surgically removed. This results in a new stomach which provides restriction. Since this operation does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting of the intestines, it is a simpler operation than the gastric bypass. Unlike the LAP-BAND® procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not require the implantation of an artificial device inside the abdomen. Also, patients do not have to come in for adjustments. Patients are losing 60% of their excess weight at 2 years. This is slightly better result than the Lap-band. Historically, those with a body mass index greater than 60 may have had the sleeve gastrectomy as the first part of a 2-stage operation for the duodenal switch. Surgeons have found that just doing the sleeve gastrectomy portion only resulted in significant weight loss and many did not need the intestinal bypass portion of the duodenal switch. Currently, the sleeve gastrectomy is being offered as a primary weight loss operation for BMIs greater than 35 at Puget Sound Surgical Center. We are fortunate to be the center with the most experience with Sleeve Gastrectomy in Washington state. What Are the Advantages of the "Sleeve Gastrectomy"? The sleeve gastrectomy has a number of advantages over other bariatric procedures: It does not require disconnecting or reconnecting the intestines It is a technically simpler operation than the gastric bypass It may be a safer operation for patients with a body mass index (BMI) more than 60. Its Recover and complication rate is similar to the LAP-BAND procedure It is done laparoscopically in under an hour. What are the Disadvantages? The long-term results are not well known. There is 3 year data that shows weight loss is slightly better than the LAP-BAND and slightly less than gastric bypass. Also, many insurance companies consider it investigational and it may not be covered by insurance plans.

The sleeve gastrectomy is an operation in which the left side of the stomach is surgically removed. This results in a new stomach which provides restriction. Since this operation does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting of the intestines, it is a simpler operation than the gastric bypass.

Unlike the LAP-BAND® procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not require the implantation of an artificial device inside the abdomen. Also, patients do not have to come in for adjustments. Patients are losing 60% of their excess weight at 2 years. This is slightly better result than the Lap-band.

Historically, those with a body mass index greater than 60 may have had the sleeve gastrectomy as the first part of a 2-stage operation for the duodenal switch. Surgeons have found that just doing the sleeve gastrectomy portion only resulted in significant weight loss and many did not need the intestinal bypass portion of the duodenal switch.

Currently, the sleeve gastrectomy is being offered as a primary weight loss operation for BMIs greater than 35 at Puget Sound Surgical Center. We are fortunate to be the center with the most experience with Sleeve Gastrectomy in Washington state.

What Are the Advantages of the "Sleeve Gastrectomy"?

The sleeve gastrectomy has a number of advantages over other bariatric procedures:
It does not require disconnecting or reconnecting the intestines
It is a technically simpler operation than the gastric bypass
It may be a safer operation for patients with a body mass index (BMI) more than 60.
Its Recover and complication rate is similar to the LAP-BAND procedure
It is done laparoscopically in under an hour.

What are the Disadvantages?

The long-term results are not well known. There is 3 year data that shows weight loss is slightly better than the LAP-BAND and slightly less than gastric bypass. Also, many insurance companies consider it investigational and it may not be covered by insurance plans.