What is a ‘Laparoscopic gastric sleeve’
proceedure?
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve proceedure is a relatively new
restrictive weight loss procedure. It involves reducing the size of the
stomach from a sac to a narrow tube. Weight is lost because there
is an earlier feeling of fullness after eating due to the smaller size
of the stomach. Also, some appetite stimulating hormones normally
produced by the stomach, are reduced by the procedure. Apart
from this change the stomach digests calories and nutrients in an
almost normal way.
The surgery greatly reduces the size of the stomach by changing
it into a long tube. The stomach is stapled along its length, and the
excess stomach is permanently removed.
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Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery involves several very small
incisions rather than open surgery, which uses one large incision.
Harmless carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the abdomen,
inflating it, and creating a space for the surgeon to work. The
surgeon introduces a long narrow camera and surgical instruments,
and uses these to perform the procedure.