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 A Good Candidate For The Mini Gastric Sleeve?
A gastric mini-sleeve may be a suitable choice for patients who fall into the “overweight” or “obese” 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 mini-gastric sleeve requirements are:
- Body mass index (BMI) of 29+;
- Willingness to commit to healthy lifestyle changes.
How Is The Mini Gastric Sleeve Performed?
During traditional 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 cuts and removes about 50-70% of the stomach and the remainder is stapled closed to form a small tube-shaped pouch.
The biggest difference is that the excised stomach is then removed either endoscopically or through the belly button.
How Much Of The Patient’s Stomach Is Removed During The Mini Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Sleeve?
During traditional gastric sleeve surgery, approximately 75-80% of the patient’s stomach is removed compared to the mini sleeve which reduces the patient’s stomach 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 A Gastric Mini Sleeve Procedure?
The mini sleeve offers patients a short recovery time of around 2 to 3 days to return to a desk-type job and patients often are significantly healed in 10 to 14 days. There are normally some lifting restrictions for two weeks after surgery.
How Does The Mini Gastric Sleeve 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. Also, the portion of the stomach that is permanently removed is responsible for producing a hunger-inducing hormone called ghrelin. With that portion of the stomach removed, less ghrelin is secreted into the patient’s system so they are not bothered by hormone-triggered hunger pangs.
By reducing the capacity of the stomach, the patient is able to have more control over their eating habits and can concentrate on developing long-term healthy lifestyle habits.
How Does A Gastric Mini Sleeve Compare To Other Bariatric Procedures?
Traditional gastric sleeve surgery and the mini sleeve remove the same percentage 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.
The more weight an obese individual loses, the better chance that any weight-related conditions they are suffering from will be improved such as type II diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Gastric Mini Sleeve vs Mini Bypass
The mini gastric sleeve and mini gastric bypass sound very similar but they are different. Both procedures are done laparoscopically but the mini gastric sleeve only uses a restrictive technique for weight loss (limits the amount an individual can eat) and the Mini Bypass is both restrictive and malabsorptive. The mini bypass makes alterations to the digestive system so fewer nutrients are able to be absorbed during digestion and patients are more at risk for malnutrition issues.
Most patients who undergo any type of bariatric surgery take nutritional supplements through pills, tablets, and drink mixes to mitigate risks of vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
The Mini Sleeve vs ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty)
These two procedures offer similar weight loss results however the mini gastric sleeve involves incisions and is considered surgery and ESG is a totally endoscopic procedure and is non-surgical.
The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has been performed for many years but recently gained approval from the FDA. During ESG the patient’s stomach is accessed through the use of an endoscope that is placed down the patient’s throat. The surgeon reshapes the stomach to a smaller size and uses a special suturing device to hold it in place. The procedure is reversible if necessary, unlike the mini sleeve where a portion of the patient’s stomach is permanently removed.
FAQs about ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty) in Atlanta, GA
Dr. A. Christopher Ibikunle, a top surgeon for Weight Loss in Georgia, answers frequently asked questions about the Endosleeve procedure. Also known as Non-surgical Sleeve or “Endosleeve”, Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a newer type of weight-loss procedure. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty reduces the size of your stomach using an endoscopic suturing device without the need for surgery. This procedure may be an option if you’re significantly overweight — a body mass index of 30 or more — and diet and exercise haven’t worked for you.
Both the gastric mini sleeve and ESG offer shorter recovery times and only limited activity restrictions for a few weeks, unlike a traditional laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery.
The mini gastric sleeve is a combination of laparoscopic surgery and endoscopy and is not highly performed because most doctors prefer the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for its non-surgical low-risk profile and effective results.
If you have struggled with your weight, and diet and exercise alone are not working, contact us today for a solution that is safe and effective. At IBI Healthcare Institute, we work with each patient individually to identify potential issues that may be impeding their weight loss and then create a plan of care that addresses each one.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty 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.
