Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a widely performed bariatric procedure that helps individuals achieve significant weight loss by altering the stomach’s structure. The procedure works to reduce overall food intake and influence hormonal signals related to hunger.
What Gastric Sleeve Surgery Entails
Gastric sleeve surgery involves a precise alteration of the stomach’s anatomy. During the procedure, surgeons remove a large portion of the stomach, typically around 75% to 80% of its volume. The remaining stomach is then reshaped into a narrow, tube-like structure, similar to the shape of a banana. This new, smaller stomach is then sealed with surgical staples.
This reduction in stomach size limits the amount of food an individual can consume at one time, promoting a feeling of fullness after eating smaller portions. The procedure also impacts the production of ghrelin, often called the “hunger hormone.” Ghrelin is primarily produced in the removed part of the stomach, contributing to a significant reduction in appetite and cravings post-surgery. This dual mechanism of physical restriction and hormonal modulation contributes to sustained weight loss.
Understanding Irreversibility
Gastric sleeve surgery is considered a permanent procedure because a substantial part of the stomach is physically removed from the body. Unlike adjustable gastric banding, the stomach tissue removed during a sleeve gastrectomy cannot be reattached or restored. The body cannot regenerate the removed stomach tissue, leading to a lasting reduction in stomach capacity and ongoing changes in hunger hormone levels, which are central to the procedure’s long-term effectiveness for weight management.
Subsequent Procedures and Options
While gastric sleeve surgery is irreversible, alternative surgical interventions are available if a patient experiences insufficient weight loss, weight regain, or certain complications after the initial procedure. These interventions are referred to as “conversion” or “revision” surgeries, rather than reversals. One common option is converting a gastric sleeve to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to this new pouch, which further reduces food intake and alters nutrient absorption.
Another conversion option is a duodenal switch procedure. This more complex surgery retains the sleeve-shaped stomach but significantly rearranges the small intestine to reduce calorie and nutrient absorption. These conversion procedures may be considered for issues like significant weight regain, which can occur if the stomach sleeve stretches over time, or for persistent complications such as severe acid reflux.