The
procedure was originally conceived of in England and has been further
developed and utilized in the U.S, Germany and Belgium. The technique is an
improvement over earlier gastroplasty procedures which included placement of
foreign bodies, and left the excess stomach intact. It was originally used
for very high BMI patients (~ 500 lbs.) to try to reduce the overall risk of
surgery. It was then followed by a second surgery when the patient had lost
enough weight to safely go through a second procedure like the Gastric
Bypass.
The new procedure was started in England about 5 years ago as a stand
alone procedure for patients of BMIs of 35-45. It proved to be quite safe
and effective even at 5 years post op.
U.S. studies have been very impressive; in one study of almost 100 very
high risk, very high BMI patients there were no deaths, and only 1 leak, and
1 pulmonary embolus.
Dr. Owens has used this procedure for high risk, high BMI patients with
good results. It can be considered by patients who are:
It should also be considered for patients weighing over 500 lbs, patients
with existing anemia, Crohns disease, or other conditions that make them
too high risk for Bypass procedures.
DR. OWENS IS THE FIRST SURGEON IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DOING LAPARAOSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
HIS EXPERTISE IN SLEEVE
Gastrectomy offers our patients another option to help them receive the best weight loss procedure for their individual needs.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure
also called Sleeve Gastrectomy, vertical gastroplasty, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction and Sleeve Gastroplasty
is performed by approximately 18 surgeons worldwide.
Choosing the Sleeve:
Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as bowel obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency.
Those who are considering a LapBand but are concerned about a foreign body or the need for fills and more frequent follow up.
Those who have other medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn's disease, extensive prior surgery, and other complex medical conditions.
Those taking anti-inflammatory medications that may need to be avoided after gastric bypass due to increased risk of ulcers.
Advantages of the Sleeve:
Stomach holds less but tends to function normally so most food items can be consumed in small amounts
Thought to eliminate the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin).
No dumping syndrome
Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring.
Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI >55 kg/m2).
Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 35-45 kg/m2).
Appealing option for people with existing anemia, Crohn's disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.
Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds.
Long-Term Weight-Loss Results
On average, patients who undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery experience a 60-80% loss of excess weight; similar to Gastric bypass
See some of Dr. Owens patients and witness their success stories
