Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Augusta, Georgia
The sleeve gastrectomy involves removal of a large portion of the stomach (70-85%), creating a tube-like stomach about the size of a banana. There is no bypass of the intestine or placement of any foreign body. This operation also removes the portion of the stomach that secretes Ghrelin, a hormone that increases appetite.
The smaller stomach restricts the amount of food a patient can eat after the procedure. It also result in patients feeling fuller sooner after they eat, and they generally do not feel as hungry. The reduction in the hormone ghrelin decreases appetite, so your desire to eat is less.
Sleeve gastrectomy typically takes about 2-hours to perform. Patients usually spend 2 days in the hospital afterwards and return to work 2-4 weeks after surgery.
This operation has very good benefits for patients, including less risk of certain complications (intestinal obstruction, malabsorption, vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiencies). Patients have an average excess weight loss of 50-60% at 2-years after surgery and significant improvement in medical conditions associated with morbid obesity.
Those who undergo a sleeve gastrectomy still experience the full benefits of a bariatric surgery, including reduced rates of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and sleep apnea by more than 70% in most cases.
The operation can be performed using open or laparoscopic techniques. At our weight loss center, most operations are performed using the laparoscopic or “minimally invasive” technique. All operations are performed by surgeons with expertise and specialty training in both laparoscopic and bariatric surgery.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy uses several small skin incisions (cuts) for a camera and instruments used by the surgeon to perform the operation. It usually results in a shorter stay in the hospital, a faster recovery and return to normal activities, less pain after surgery and less risk of certain complications such as hernias and infections.
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