If you are considering having bariatric surgery to help you lose weight, you probably already have done some research regarding the options available to you. The most common bariatric surgery performed is called “gastric sleeve”. It removes about 80% of the patient’s stomach. Today we are talking about gastric sleeve pros and cons covering both traditional and non-surgical sleeves.
Gastric Sleeve: What Are the Factors to Consider?
Until recently, laparoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (LSG) was the least invasive of the bariatric weight loss procedures. But today, there is another option that accomplishes almost the same results but is done without incisions. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is gaining popularity as a non-surgical option to reduce an individual’s stomach size by about 70%.
The patient’s stomach is accessed through the esophagus and the stomach size is reduced through strategically placed sutures. If you want to compare these procedures, here is comprehensive information on gastric sleeve pros and cons that may help you with your decision.
What Are the Advantages of Sleeve Gastroplasty?
Both surgical and non-surgical sleeves have the following pros:
- Reduction the amount of food ingested at one sitting;
- Reduction the feeling of being hungry;
- Less risk of nutritional deficiencies since the body is still able to absorb necessary vitamins and minerals;
- Reduction in hunger pangs due to fewer “hunger producing” hormones ghrelin;
- Reduction or alleviation of weight-related health issues like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.;
- No dumping syndrome as with other bariatric surgeries. This occurs when food is moved too quickly from the stomach into the small bowel and can cause stomach cramping and diarrhea;
- Effective weight loss 25-30% and 20-23% of total body weight for LSG and ESG respectively.
WEIGHT LOSS CALCULATORWhy Is Non-Surgical Endosleeve Better than Surgical Sleeve?
The endoscopic gastric sleeve is a safer yet effective alternative to the traditional gastric sleeve. It has several advantages over the laparoscopic sleeve:
- No incisions are required;
- Shorter procedure time, so less time under anesthesia;
- Less than 1% chance of complications or risks;
- No hospital stay required;
- 5-7 days recovery time;
- No scarring;
- No part of the stomach is removed and the procedure may be reversible;
- Maybe an option for individuals who did not qualify for other types of bariatric surgery.
What Are the Downsides of Sleeve Gastroplasty?
Laporoscopic Sleeve Cons
- The risk of heartburn or reflux after the procedure is about 20%
- Performed laparoscopically requiring several small abdominal incisions
- Scarring is involved
- 80% of the stomach is permanently removed and the procedure is irreversible
- 4-6 week recovery time with limited physical activity
- Requires hospital stay of 1-3 days
Endoscopic Sleeve Cons
- The risk of ongoing heartburn or reflux after the procedure is less than 1%
What Are the Risks Associated with LSG and ESG?
Any type of medical procedure, especially surgery, comes with potential risks. Both of these weight loss procedures carry some risks but they are much lower than other forms of bariatric surgery. It is important to understand the procedure and follow all aftercare directions to ensure you get the desired results.
Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Risks:
- Risks associated with general anesthesia;
- 1-3% of patients can experience leaking from suture/staple line;
- Puncture of nearby organs during surgery;
- Infection;
- Excessive bleeding;
- Blot clots;
- Breathing problems;
- Stomach perforation;
- Ulcers & hernias;
- Gallstones.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Risks:
- Risks associated with general anesthesia;
- ESG patients may experience mild abdominal discomfort and nausea for about a week following the procedure;
- Perforation of the stomach <1%;
- Bleeding from the stomach <1%.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) or Accordion Procedure: Everything You Need to Know
Dr. Chris explains what Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) procedure is, how it is done, and what its benefits are.
If you are considering weight loss surgery, both the LSG and ESG are effective and less invasive than other forms of bariatric surgery. Depending on your circumstances, including your body mass index, overall physical health, and other factors, your doctor may recommend a specific weight loss surgery option that will accomplish your desired results. To minimize the risks, it’s important to trust your health to experienced providers like the surgeons at the IBI Healthcare Institute.
To learn more about weight loss options that may be right for you, contact IBI Healthcare Institute to set up a personal consultation. You are only a click or a phone call away from getting the help and support you need to become healthier. We are ready to accompany you on your journey, contact us today!
