Laparosopic
sleeve gastrectomy
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
LSG is one of the newer forms of obesity management surgeries (bariatric surgeries), and is currently the most popular option performed on a daily basis all around the world. It involves removing about 80% of your stomach, converting the traditional sac shape into a small “sleeve” – hence the name – which makes your stomach smaller so that you eat less. The removed part of the stomach is also responsible for releasing the hormone called “Ghrelin” which makes you feel hungry, so when that part is removed, your feeling of hunger is greatly reduced.
A laparoscopic approach to surgery means using 3 tiny incisions to do the surgery (two 5 mm in length, and one 12 mm in length), as opposed to the regular approach where a large incision is made in your abdomen. The surgeon would use a specialized thin long telescope to which a camera is connected known as the Laparoscope together with some very small surgical instruments to reach the surgical area without opening up your belly too much. This means less scarring as most of these incisions are hidden, less pain during the post-operative recovery period, and fewer surgical complications. It is the approach of choice for most bariatric surgeries.
Frequently asked questions
Bariatric surgeries are indicated for people with extreme obesity who have failed to lose weight using a diet and regular exercise. Obesity is identified by using a metric known as the body mass index (BMI) which is the ratio of your weight to your height. A BMI of over 30 is considered obese, 35 to 39 is considered severe obesity, while over 40 is considered morbid obesity, where your weight would art to affect your health. LSG in particular is indicated for people whose BMI is over 60, where other bariatric surgeries are considered unsafe. Once the BMI is lowered below 50, your surgeon may suggest another obesity management surgery such as the gastric bypass. LSG not only helps you reduce weight but can also help control some metabolic disorders that originated from being overweight such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, etc. LSG is also considered a safe option for people suffering from some medical conditions such as heart, lung and liver problems since it carries the least possibility of side effects compared to other forms of bariatric surgeries.