At NGPG, we understand that weight loss journeys look different for everyone. Our multidisciplinary approach to surgical weight loss is designed to help you achieve a successful outcome and improve your overall health. Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Bariatric Surgery offers an experienced team of bariatric specialists that can help you determine if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery and which procedure is best for you.
Out expert team specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), which allows for smaller incisions, shorter recovery and less pain. Through our pre-operative education and evaluation, we help each patient understand the entire process and what will set them up for long-term success. If you or a loved one are considering surgical treatment to help you achieve long-term weight loss, trust our providers at NGPG Bariatric Surgery to provide a surgical plan tailored to your needs.
What is LSG?
The sleeve gastrectomy is a laparoscopic procedure in which two-thirds of the stomach is extracted from the body. This leaves the stomach in a small, tube or “sleeve” shape, which limits the amount of food that can be eaten in one setting and allows you to feel satisfied sooner. No other part of the digestive system is affected, so it allows for normal digestion and absorption.
An important factor in the success of this procedure is a decrease in the ghrelin hormone. Ghrelin is produced in the area of the stomach removed during a gastrectomy, and sends messages to the brain to signal starvation-mode, causing a person to feel hungry. By removing the portion of the stomach responsible for the production of this hormone, you will begin feeling hungry less.
Who should get LSG?
While gastric sleeve surgery can be beneficial, it is a dramatic change that you should be prepared for both physically and mentally. There are certain criteria that you must meet to qualify for the procedure, these requirements commonly include:
- Being 18 years of age or older
- You have a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or higher
- Have tried and failed to lose weight with diet and exercise
- Have a strong support system to encourage you to maintain your weight loss
- Be willing to follow through with post-surgery instructions and regiment
At NGPG Bariatric Surgery, we perform and require comprehensive evaluations for those considering weight loss surgeries. Talk with your provider to determine if a sleeve gastrectomy is the right option for your case.
Who performs LSG?
A sleeve gastrectomy is typically a procedure performed by a surgeon that specializes in bariatrics. At NGPG Bariatric Surgery, our team of surgeons and dietitians provide support before, during and after your procedure. With a multi-discipline approach, our providers help ensure your successful weight loss and maintenance.
What are the advantages of LSG?
With its simplicity and quick recovery time, NGPG Bariatric Surgery’s laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy offers substantial results without the need for an invasive measure. Some of the top advantages of LSG for weight loss are:
- The procedure is minimally invasive
- Comparable weight loss results to gastric bypass.
- There are no required anastomoses or intestinal bypasses.
- The procedure is performed quicker than a gastric bypass.
- Reported lower complication rates.
- Used as a staged procedure for high-risk patients or those with a BMI above 60.
- Option for patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Improves or resolves many obesity-related medical issues.
- Mineral and vitamin deficiencies are rare compared to gastric bypass and biliopancreatic duodenal switch.
What are the risks of LSG?
Like with all surgeries, LSG can pose risks, although the likelihood of complications is low. Some of the complications that could arise after the procedure may include:
- Infection and abnormal bleeding
- Bowel blockages
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
While complications can arise, it’s important to note that they are not common. To avoid any gastrointestinal issues or weight gain, you should continue to follow up with your provider after surgery.
What happens during my LSG procedure?
Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy is quick, usually taking around 1 to 2 hours to complete. On surgery day, you can expect the following steps:
- Anesthesia: You will receive general anesthesia for your LSG, meaning you will be asleep through the entire surgery.
- Incision: Your surgeon will make a few small incisions in your belly to give them access to your stomach.
- Camera insertion: The laparoscope, a thin, long scope with a camera, is then inserted into one of the incisions, giving your surgeon a visual of your stomach.
- Removal: In the other incisions, your surgeon will insert tools and remove up to 80% of your stomach.
- Closing: After a portion of the stomach is removed, your surgeon will close the stomach into a tube-like shape. After closing internally, your surgeon will stitch, staple or glue your external incision points.
After your procedure, your provider will likely have you stay in the hospital for a day or two to monitor your recovery and avoid any potential infection or complications.
NGPG Bariatric Surgery not only offers minimally invasive weight loss surgeries like LSG, they also assist in post-surgery weight management. Our team offers comprehensive and strategic help with weight loss and management for patients before and after surgery. Listen to our patient testimonies to learn more about how NGPG Bariatric Surgery has helped people across the state of Georgia reach their weight loss goals.
Choose NGPG for Sleeve Gastrectomy
If you or a loved one are struggling with weight loss and considering surgical treatment to help, you can rely on our team of experts at NGPG Bariatric Surgery to provide high-quality and minimally invasive treatment options like laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Our multi-specialty team is designed to support you before, during and post-surgery, giving you the tools to begin and continue a healthy lifestyle.
The first step in your surgical weight loss journey is to watch one of our online educational seminars or register to attend an in-person seminar hosted by the Bariatric team at NGPG. To learn more about your weight loss options and to choose your next step towards a healthier you, visit our registration page today.
