One of the biggest feared epidemics that face the world today is obesity, with the number of obese people exploded in the last few decades. Regular physical activities or a very low caloric intake can control obesity where it`s in its less severe stages, but in case of severe obesity, also termed as morbid obesity, these weight reduction practices do not often yield good results.
Then, what is the best way to shed those stubborn extra pounds? The answer is weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery)!
Surgical interventions for treating morbid obesity, including gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, are intended to offer quick weight loss by reducing the stomach size and reducing the craving for food.
According to the WHO`s factsheet on obesity and Overweight, obesity and overweight are the fifth leading cause for global deaths, accounting for at least 2.8 million deaths the world over. As a result, bariatric surgery clinics have sprouted up on every corner of the world.
Gastric Sleeve Overview
Gastric sleeve surgery is particularly popular among obese people who are desperate to end their struggle with the obesity quickly.
Technically known as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), it is a restrictive form of weight loss surgery in which a bariatric surgeon removes a large part (about 85 percent) of the stomach and converts it into a tube.
Gastric sleeve is typically performed laparoscopically (keyhole). In the surgery, a viewing tube equipped with a small camera (laparoscope) and other tiny surgical instruments are inserted into the stomach through 1/2-inch cuts. This telescope helps surgeons see a magnified view of the area to be operated on a screen.
Following this stomach reduction surgery, the stomach size becomes smaller and takes a banana- like shape, allowing you to limit the amount of your consumed food, and feel full a lot sooner than you are used to.
Pros
Gastric sleeve surgery has numerous advantages over other bariatric procedures. Some of these advantages include:
Lack of hunger: With the removal of large portion of your stomach most of the hormones in the stomach that trigger the sensation of hunger are also removed.
No foreign devices: There is no foreign objects implanted inside of you, such as a gastric band.
Less restrictive diet after the surgery, meaning that you can eat most of the foods you have always eaten, albeit in small amounts.
Technically, this surgery is much simpler than any other weight loss surgery. It doesn`t involve disconnecting or rerouting the intestines.
A non-reversible procedure, gastric sleeve takes only 60 - 90 minutes to complete.
Other weight reduction surgeries like gastric bypass and duodenal switch can be performed after this procedure.
Significant weight loss is another advantage of this operation. Most people who undergo this procedure lose between 40-60% of excess weight within two years of the operation.
Cons
Although gastric sleeve
surgery comes with lots of benefits and seems very appealing, but it does come with its fair share of downsides:
The biggest disadvantage of having
gastric sleeve surgery is irreversible. In this procedure, most of the stomach is permanently removed and can`t be reversed.
Leakage is possible as the operation requires staples to be inserted into the stomach. The leaking stomach fluid can cause infection and other serious health problems.
Another disadvantage is that you may regain lost weight, because the stomach can gradually stretch and permit larger meals.
Since your post-surgery stomach is too small, you may feel uncomfortable and vomit in case you overeat or swallow poorly chewed food.
One of the biggest disadvantages of a gastric
sleeve has to do with its cost. This operation is very pricey and rarely is covered by insurance companies.
