Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve
Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve is one of several advanced and minimally invasive bariatric surgeries offered by Dr. Rami Lutfi in Chicago. He was the first surgeon in the state of Illinois to perform a gastric sleeve. On this page, you’ll learn about this particular technique, as well as what you can expect from Dr. Lutfi and his staff.
Dr. Lutfi has many years of experience working with patients who wish to lose weight and get rid of diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. To date, he has performed more than 2,500 weight loss procedures.
Our relationship with you is paramount. You will meet Dr. Lutfi himself right away in your first visit, and he will be available to you from the time leading up to your surgery to the entirety of your recovery. He feels it’s important to treat each patient individually.
While we practice “Evidence-Based Medicine” that follows the latest scientific evidence, we believe in our Institute that the choice of surgery and the plan of care should be customized for each individual based on their history, expectations and goals.
We focus on wellness and treat the whole patient – body and soul – with a dietitian, psychologist, experienced nurses, and an insurance specialist on our full-time staff.
What Is a Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve?
One of the most popular weight loss surgeries available, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive operation performed through only four or five small incisions using a tool called a laparoscope. The laparoscope is like a telescope that allows Dr. Lutfi to see clearly during surgery without the need for large incisions.
To lift the stomach slightly away from the small intestine, the abdomen is temporarily filled with carbon dioxide gas. Dr. Lutfi then uses the laparoscope to remove a portion of the upper curved area of the stomach called the fundus. This makes the stomach smaller and into a more tubular shape. The fundus produces the hormone Ghrelin, which causes hunger.
Removal of this portion of the stomach doesn’t mean you will never feel hungry, but hunger pangs are significantly reduced, while the stomach is also made smaller to accommodate less food intake and help you feel full faster.
Visit our Preparing for Bariatric Surgery and Day of Surgery pages for instructions on how to get ready for your procedure.
How Much Weight Can I Lose After a Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve?
Weight loss from this technique can be as high as 60% of excess body weight, and some lose as much as 80% or more, depending on patient’s commitment to following the post-op regimen.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Dr. Lutfi will discuss surgery options with you and will recommend the best procedure for you based on your health, medical history, and of course, your preferences.
Again, your decision will follow a thorough conversation with Dr. Lutfi and his team, as well as testing that often includes endoscopy and others. But you are always the center of the decision-making process!
For more information, please visit our Am I a Candidate? page.
What Is Recovery Like from Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Recovery time from all of our bariatric surgery procedures is faster than you might think. The surgery requires just one night in the hospital in most cases, and you can go home the next day.
There are fewer potential complications as well, since the gastrointestinal tract is not altered. Dumping syndrome is not common after this procedure.
Of course, surgery generally results in some bruising and soreness. All of these symptoms are usually minimal and gradually subside within a few days due to the tiny incisions (minimally invasive approach) used to perform the operation. Dr. Lutfi will prescribe pain medication for you so that you can recover with minimal discomfort.
Since your body won’t absorb all the foods you eat, Dr. Lutfi’s team, mainly his dietitian, will instruct and guide you on all necessary supplements and periodically check vitamin levels in your blood to prevent deficiency. You will need to take vitamin supplements for the rest of your life.
Our dietitian will make sure you understand everything about supplements, will give you all the information you need, and will then follow up with you to make sure your nutritional status is optimized.
Visit our Recovery & Follow Up and Life After Surgery pages for more information.
