Overview

This surgery creates distinctive structural changes to the stomach and intestine. About 15% of the upper part of stomach will be separated surgically and then connected directly to the small intestine. The remaining stomach will be sutured like a pouch and then the end of stomach, called duodenum will be attached to the small intestine as well. It works highly effectively on weight loss by [1] reducing the size of the stomach and [2] limiting the absorption of nutrients as the consumed food is bypassed directly to the small intestine (as the absorption of nutrients in the duodenum is skipped).

Ideal candidates for Gastric sleeve are

• Having heart problems, sleeping apnea and type 2 diabetes due to obesity
• Over 40 of body mass index (BMI) or 35~40 BMI with severe illness due to obesity
• Ready to commit to healthy lifestyle and make regular visit for follow-up
• The first time receiving stomach surgery
• Free of gastric bleeding or hiatal hernia

Process of procedure

• Begin the procedure with general anesthesia
• Surgery can be done by either endoscopic procedure or traditional procedure having a big incision in the abdomen
• Separate the stomach into two by cutting the 15% of upper stomach
• Attach the upper part to the small intestine
• Suture the remaining stomach and attach the bottom of stomach (duodenum) to the small intestine

Expected duration of hospital stay

• Generally the procedure takes about 2~4 hours.
• A week of hospitalization is expected when there is no significant complication.
• The period of hospitalization varies depending on patients

Post-operative care

• Bed rest with legs elevated
• Medical team will closely monitor patient to detect any signs of complication
• Pain and nausea will be effectively managed with medication

Risks

• Bleeding
• Severe nausea
• Inflammation of gall bladder or gall stone
• Dumping syndrome
• Blood clots resulting in stroke or heart attack
• Infection
• Leakage from intestine

Treatment cost

• The cost can vary by hospitals
• Expected cost ranges from to.