Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Like the Lap-Band, this procedure is purely restrictive. The surgeon creates a stomach similar in shape & size to a banana between the esophagus and the pylorus with approximately 1-4 oz. in capacity and there is no intestinal bypass which leads to no "dumping syndrome". The remnant stomach is removed as it is no longer connected. Appetitie usally dramatically decreases and can lead to very good weight loss.The weight loss is slower than the combined restrictive/malabsorptive procedures but may be more than the banding procedures. This procedure typically considered for patients with a BMI of 60 or higher. The procedure can easily be converted to Gastric Bypass for optimal weight loss. This procedure would be considered as the first procedure in a two-part treatment. The second part of the treatment can be gastric bypass. Patients with lower BMIs can also undergo this procedure without the need for conversion. The procedure takes approximately one hour to complete and requires a one-night stay at the hospital.