Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most popular and least invasive bariatric surgical procedures performed to help individuals lose weight. Well, now there is a mini version of the gastric sleeve that is called a mini-VSG, mini-sleeve, or mini gastric sleeve. Today we are going to look at this unique version of the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) and how it compares.
Who is the Right Candidate?
A gastric mini-sleeve may be a suitable choice for patients who fall into the higher weight categories on the BMI chart. Individuals who are looking for similar benefits as gastric sleeve surgery with lower risks, less pain, and a faster recovery. The requirements are:
- Body mass index (BMI) of 29+.
- Willingness to commit to healthy lifestyle changes.
How is the Mini Gastric Sleeve Performed?
During Gastric Sleeve Surgery, the surgeon uses three to five abdominal incisions or the newer single incision technique to access the stomach. The mini-sleeve uses natural entrances to the patient’s abdominal cavity instead of cutting through the abdominal wall and patients will only have two incisions one by the belly button and one by the breastbone.
The surgeon first cuts and removes about 50-70% of the stomach. Stapling the remainder closed forms a small tube-shaped pouch, and specialists then remove the excised stomach endoscopically or through the belly button.
How Much of the Patient’s Stomach is Removed During the Mini Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Sleeve?
Approximately 75-80% of the stomach gets removed during traditional gastric sleeve surgery, whereas mini sleeve surgery reduces it by 50-70%, depending on the surgeon.
How Long Does Mini Gastric Sleeve Surgery Take?
The mini gastric sleeve surgical procedure normally takes about 30 to 45 minutes to perform and will depend on the skills of the bariatric surgeon.
How Long is the Recovery from the Procedure?
Patients typically return to a desk-type job in 2 to 3 days and often significantly heal within 10 to 14 days with the aid of a mini sleeve. Moreover, lifting restrictions normally apply for two weeks following the surgery.
How Does it Help Patients Lose Weight?
Reducing the stomach capacity helps patients with portion control because they will not be able to eat as much in one sitting. They will also remain “full” longer. Removing the portion of the stomach that produces the hunger-inducing hormone, ghrelin significantly reduces hormone-triggered hunger pangs. Consequently, Moreover, this also leads to lowered ghrelin levels in the patient’s system.
The patient can gain control over their eating habits and develop healthy lifestyle habits by having a smaller stomach.
How Does a Gastric Mini Sleeve Compare to Other Bariatric Procedures?
Traditional gastric sleeve surgery and the mini sleeve remove the same part of the stomach so the weight loss potential is comparable. The long-term success of both procedures is dependent on the patient’s compliance with a healthy lifestyle.
A higher-weight individual has a better chance of improving any weight-related conditions, like type II diabetes and high blood pressure, by losing weight. Moreover, as they shed more pounds, the greater the potential for these conditions to improve.
Gastric Mini Sleeve vs. Mini Bypass
The mini gastric sleeve and mini gastric bypass sound very similar but they are different. Using a restrictive technique, laparoscopically, the Mini Gastric Sleeve limits the ability to eat. In contrast, the Mini Gastric Bypass involves a laparoscopic modification of the digestive system, putting patients at a higher risk of malnutrition due to decreased nutrient absorption. However, unlike the Mini Gastric Sleeve, the Mini Bypass is both restrictive and malabsorptive.
Bariatric surgery patients take nutritional supplements through pills, tablets, and drink mixes to prevent vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
The Mini Sleeve vs ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty)
Although mini gastric sleeve requires incisions, both procedures yield comparable weight loss results. Conversely, ESG is totally endoscopic and therefore non-surgical.
For many years, surgeons have done Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). Most recently, however, the FDA has approved it. Here’s how it works: a surgeon inserts an endoscope down the patient’s throat to access the stomach. Then, by using a suturing device, the surgeon reshapes the stomach to a smaller size. The ESG procedure can be reversed, unlike the mini sleeve which requires permanent removal of a portion of the stomach.
Both the gastric mini sleeve and ESG offer shorter recovery times and limit activity to a few weeks.
Most doctors prefer the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, due to its low-risk, non-surgical profile and effective results. Rather than the mini gastric sleeve, which uses laparoscopic surgery and endoscopy.
Contact us today at IBI Healthcare Institute to find a safe and effective solution to your weight management challenges. We will verify potential issues that prevent your desired weight loss results and create a custom plan for you. ESG is a wonderful option for many patients and it may be right for you too! Set up a consultation today to learn more about ESG and the other many weight loss options we offer. There is a solution that will be perfect to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
