The Sleeve gastrectomy is a new procedure that induces weight loss by restricting food intake. With this procedure, the surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach laparoscopically so that the stomach takes the shape of a tube or "sleeve." This is the simplest, least invasive weight-loss surgery available. It is permanent, so it reduces the risk of regaining the weight. The VSG is the fastest growing bariatric surgery in the world due to its success and safety.

In addition to reducing food intake, the smaller stomach now lessens the production of ghrelin (the hormone that regulates appetite), resulting in diminished desire to eat.

Hundreds of people in Saskatchewan have successfully had the sleeve with Weight Loss Forever since September 2009!

Reduced time spent recovering is another positive feature of this innovative surgical technique. Recuperation normally involves only 2-3 days hospitalization and patients generally go back to work in about 2 weeks.

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) has a number of advantages over other bariatric procedures:

The VSG has been shown to reduce excess body weight by 60% - 80% on average within 2 years. The longest study done on VSG is 5 years, with outcomes similar to the RNY. Lower BMI Obese patients typically lose 80% to 100% excess body weight. Higher BMI Obese patients may need to convert to a Duodenal Switch (DS).

A bougie is a tube used to measure the size of the remaining stomach. The smaller bougie, a 32F, is associated with increased weight loss and reduced weight regain. Earlier VSGs used a 40F or 60F bougie which leaves a larger amount of stomach and increased Ghrelin production. The smaller bougie is why more recent patients have better outcomes.

As bariatric surgery continues to evolve as by far the most effective treatment for severe obesity, everyone involved in the care of these patients must realize that surgical treatment of obesity will never be without risks. Data from multiple studies suggests that the best bariatric operation for older patients may be the laparoscopic VSG because it achieves the greatest weight loss with the shortest operative time and the fewest complications. The VSG is comparable to RNY and DS in that the weight loss is achieved with fewer complications. You should be aware that any surgery may have complications and this is major surgery. Specific complications will be discussed further with you, in person, but it is statistically possible that death may result. You should therefore carefully weigh the benefits versus the risks. The decision to undergo the surgery should not be taken lightly as it is intended to be permanent and for life. The changes which it can produce in your life are generally very positive, but you should fully consider all of the implications:

• Deep vein thrombophlebitis 0.5%
• Non-fatal pulmonary embolus 0.5%
• Pneumonia 0.2%
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome 0.25%
• Splenectomy 0.5%
• Gastric leak and fistula 1.0%
• Postoperative bleeding 0.5%
• Small bowel obstruction 0.0%
• Death 0.1% to 0.25%

The risks of post-operative complications average between 3-5%. This includes incision infections, pneumonia or bleeding. Severely overweight patients run a higher risk of incurring operative complications. The risk of mortality is, according to literature, below 0.3%. According to the American College of Physicians, the evidence suggests that surgeons who frequently perform bariatric procedures have fewer complications.

Doctor Carl Le Roux practices out of Blairmore Medical Clinic in Saskatoon and heard about the Laparascopic Vertical Sleeve when a patient brought Melanie Wildman, CEO of Weight Loss Forever, to an appointment to discuss their possibility of getting the bariatric surgery.

"Before patients are approved, they’re medically screened for health and medical history," Le Roux says. "By the time patients see me, they’re in a high risk group because of obesity. In my opinion, the surgery is lifesaving because of the risk reduction and health benefits. Many patients have problems with diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure or heart disease, but because of the weight loss, those things improve significantly. And the way patients change psychologically is just unbelievable."

Le Roux says Canada has a chronic shortage of bariatric surgeons—especially Saskatchewan - which hasn't had a bariatric surgeon available for a long time and that other options, like the Lap-Band can cause frustration with slippage or deflation.

"When it comes to obesity, it's really an illness that has severe complications and limited options, and unfortunately for many patients, when it comes to their health, the wait is too long." Le Roux was concerned patients wouldn't receive proper care in Mexico, but was relieved when he heard the hospital has an intensive care and is state-of-the-art. He says every patient he’s followed- up with is impressed with the facility and care they received in Mexico.
 

"I haven't had one patient come back with problems yet and they've all done really well with recovery," he says. "I'm very impressed with the post-operative care and support provided by Weight Loss Forever."

Want to talk it over? We're ready to help. Call us at 1-877-306-8891 (toll free) or 306-665-8891 (Saskatoon) if you have questions or concerns or want help finding an information session near you.