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Sleeve Gastrectomy

Advantages and disadvantages

There are important advantages of sleeve gastrectomy but (as always) there are also disadvantages. 

One key issue is the lack of long-term results for the sleeve and some experts believe that weight re-gain could be an issue after a few years.  On the other hand, what evidence there is to date, looks rather more encouraging than some may have predicted when the procedure first began to gain popularity as a stand-alone surgical intervention.  Only time will tell! 

 

Advantages

Disadvantages

 

  • Patients lose 50-80% excess weight

 

  • Nerves and outlet valve of the stomach remain intact, so basic functions are preserved (no dumping syndrome etc)

 

  • Eliminates site of production of hormones such as ghrelin which stimulates appetite

 

  • Procedure is restrictive only – so there is no malabsorption of protein, vitamins and minerals

 

  • Fewer restrictions on the types of foods which can be eaten

 

  • Recent procedure – very few long-term data

 

  • Long staple line – risk of leakage and/or haemorrhage

 

  • Amount of weight lost may be disappointing in some cases

 

  • Weight re-gain can be a problem after 2-3 years

 

  • Procedure is irreversible