LGSR is a surgical weight-loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 20-30% of its original size, by surgical removal of a large portion of the stomach along the major curve of stomach.The remaining stomach looks like a tube often called as stomach tube The procedure permanently reduces the s ize of the stomach. The patient feels full after a small intake of food.

Also very important is the fact that it preserves the pylorus, the valve that regulates emptying of the stomach. This acts as "natures band" and allows food to hold up in the stomach for a while, making the person feel full while the food trickles out. Coupled with the fact that there is no rearrangement of the bowel, it also means dumping and marginal ulcers are not a problem. The The normal satiety mechanism is preserved .

The operation is done with 5 small incisions, and takes about an hour to do. The stomach is stapled vertically keeping the small portion like a tube along the lesser border. The remaining stomach is removed.The stapled stomach is overswen to prevent leaks.We do a "leak test" in the operating room before we complete the operation. Having the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy involves an overnight stay in the hospital. There is no drain or nasogastric tube. You are able to return to work, resume heavy lifting and strenuous activity, in most cases, in about two weeks from the time of surgery. If you are able to do light duty at work, there is the possibility of going back to work sooner than two weeks for some patients.

Advantages :

Although the stomach is reduced in size and the amount of food which can be eaten is restricted, the stomach otherwise functions normally.

The major part of the stomach which produces hormones responsible for stimulating hunger is removed from the digestive system.

The problem of dumping is avoided as the pylorus is retained.

Minimizes the possibility of the patient developing ulcers.

Avoids the problems associated with bypass forms of weight loss surgery including anemia, intestinal obstruction or blockage, osteoporosis and protein and vitamin deficiency.

Provides a solution for patients with conditions which place them at an unacceptably high risk from other forms of bariatric surgery.

Provides a laparoscopic solution to patients with a particularly high body mass index (BMI).

Disadvantages

As this form of surgery does not provide any element of gastric bypass some patients may experience a disappointing weight loss or weight regain.

High BMI patients will often require follow-up weight loss surgery to achieve their goal. Although this may be seen as a disadvantage by some patients, in many cases, this two procedure option not only produces the results that the patient wants but may also provide a lower overall risk for the patient. This is something which need to de discussed with your physician.

Patients can slow weight loss if they do not stick to a strict diet following this form of surgery.

Complications may occur as the result of stomach stapling.

The procedure is not reversible as part of the stomach is permanently removed. It shouldbe remembered though that the sleeve gastrectomy can be extended at a later date if required by performing additional bypass surgery.

Complications :

As with all forms of weight loss surgery, the LSGR does carry risk and these will clearly vary from one patient to the next and must be discussed with your physician. Complications might include:

Gastric leakage and fistula

Deep vein thrombosis

Non-fatal pulmonary embolus

Post-operative bleeding

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