The Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Stomach Staple Surgery is one of the latest surgeries available to low BMI patients because it’s low risk, and a very successful alternative to laparoscopic gastric Lap-Band®.

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery generates weight loss by restraining food intake, and thus, amount of calories. This is accomplished by removing 85% or more of the stomach, which is divided, stapled vertically and then removed without touching the intestine. The procedure will not cause gastrointestinal malabsorption and is strictly restrictive.

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery is indicated as an alternative to Lap-Band for patients with BMIs in the 40s, and a safe option for individuals with BMIs higher than 50.

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery is irreversible because 85% of the stomach is permanently removed. Howsoever the remaining stomach is formed into a banana-like shape, with the capacity to hold from 1 to 5 ounces of food (30 to 150 cc) depending on the surgeon performing the surgery. The connecting nerves to the stomach and the pyloric valve remain intact in order to preserve stomach functions. But, stomach volume is drastically reduced.

In comparison, Gastric Bypass Surgery divides the stomach but does not remove it. The pylorus is excluded. The Gastric Bypass Surgery can be retrofitted if needed, meaning it is reversible.

Note that in the Gastric Sleeve Surgery, there is no intestinal bypass, only stomach reduction. The Stomach Staple advantages are many. No gastric bypass means you avoid higher surgical costs and most important, long-term complications such as marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiency and intestinal obstruction.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery as an Alternative to Gastric Bypass Roux-N-Y

The Gastric Sleeve is a strong alternative to Gastric Bypass for numerous reasons, including:

• Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of complications such as vitamin and protein malabsorption is minimal.
• There is no risk of marginal ulcers, which occur in over 2% of patients with Gastric Bypass.
• Since the pylorus is preserved, weak absorption syndrome does not occur or is minimal.
• There is no intestinal obstruction since no intestinal anastomosis (cutting and joining) is performed.
• It’s relatively simple to modify to alternative procedures if weight loss is inadequate, or if weight is regained.
• Available data on Gastric Sleeve weight loss compiled over a period of between two and six years is superior to Lap-Band results, and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss results. (Lee, Jossart, Cirangle: Surgical Endoscopy 2007).