What are the Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery? - Obesity Surgery Guide


There are advantages to this surgery which are as follows:

  • This is classed as a ‘restrictive’ form of surgery which means that food absorption is not affected.
  • Weight loss can be as much as 50 to 80%.
  • Fewer restrictions on the types of foods that can be consumed.
  • The basic functions of the stomach are still intact so there is no risk of ‘dumping syndrome’.
  • Removes the area where the ‘hunger hormone’ ghrelin is produced. 

Conversely, there are a few disadvantages to this surgery which are:
 

  • Risk of bleeding or leaking stomach acids from staples.
  • This procedure is non-reversible.
  • No long term data to confirm or reject this procedure.
  • Risk of weight gain, two to three years following surgery.
  • Weight loss can be less than hoped for. 

We have already mentioned that sleeve gastrectomy is often performed as the first stage in a ‘two stage’ gastric bypass.  It can also be performed before a duodenal switch.

How does it compare as a single, ‘stand alone’ procedure to the more complex gastric bypass and duodenal switch surgeries?

 

Comparison between sleeve gastrectomy and
gastric bypass/duodenal switch

 

Sleeve Gastrectomy

 

 

Gastric Bypass/Duodenal Switch

 

Still considered experimental.  Very little data to support any long term view. 

It is successful but we do not know what the long term prognosis is.

 

 

A well known and regularly performed procedure.  The long term benefits and risks are known.  High success rate.

Prognosis is good.

 

Classed as a ‘restrictive’ procedure.  No problems with food absorption although there may be hormonal changes which can affect appetite regulation. 

 

 

 

This is classed as a ‘restrictive/malabsorptive’ procedure.

 

Weight loss can be varied and unpredictable.  Excess weight loss is 50 to 80%.

 

 

Dramatic weight loss which is predictable.  It is constant and averages around 70%.

 

A quick and relatively easy procedure. Can take around 45 minutes to one hour.

 

 

A more complex procedure which involves surgery on both the stomach and the bowel.  It can take up to two hours.

 

Little or no risk of ‘dumping syndrome’

 

 

‘Dumping syndrome’ is a common problem.

 

Shorter stay in hospital – usually one to two days.  
 

 

Hospital stay is usually two days.

 

Food absorption is not affected so less or no risk of any deficiencies. 

 

 

Food absorption is affected.  This means the patient has to take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement for the rest of their life.

 

Death from surgery is extremely rare.  The mortality rate is 0.1 to 0.5%.

 

 

Death from surgery is extremely rare.  Mortality rate is 0.1 to 0.5%. 

 

Complications are uncommon but can occur.  Three to 7% of cases experience complications.

 

 

Complications are uncommon but can occur.  Three to 10% of cases experience complications.

 

Can be performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery).

 

 

Usually performed as ‘open’ surgery (large incision).  Although there is a laparoscopic version this is still experimental).

Gastric Band Related Articles