GASTRIC BYPASS
What is the gold-standard weight-loss operation?
Most doctors consider the gastric bypass (RYGB or roux-en-Y gastric bypass) to be the gold-standard. The UCLA technique for gastric bypass (UCLA U-Loop) has been presented internationally, has been performed in more than 1,000 adults and is associated with a low complication rate. Furthermore, the procedure has a proven track record for long-term weight-loss. Other procedures that have been performed for weight-loss include:
- biliopancreatic diversion
- sleeve gastrectomy
- banding
The biliopancreatic diversion has excellent weight-loss results but also has higher complication rate and post-operative nutritional deficiencies.
Can these procedures be performed laparoscopically with minimal incisions?
Yes. Almost all weight-loss surgeries at UCLA are performed laparoscopically using minimally-invasive tools.
LAPAROSCOPIC BAND
Why not perform a laparoscopic band for adolescents?
The gastric band is still considered investigational for adolescents. Enrollment of patients in a study evaluating the gastric band in adolescents has been completed, and long-term results are awaited. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the device for patients younger than 18 years. The procedure is also losing favor in Europe because of poor long-term outcomes. We have the following concerns with the gastric band:
- Less weight-loss than with other surgeries
- Decreased quality-of-life as a consequence of vomiting and nausea
- Need for ongoing follow-up visits to adjust the band
- Bands are frequently removed because of long-term complications (including infection, migration and erosion)
- The band can injure the stomach, which can impact the risk of future weight-loss surgeries
- There is a potential for long-term injury of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter
SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
What is a sleeve gastrectomy?
A sleeve or vertical gastrectomy is a procedure in which the majority of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a stomach tube.
Does the sleeve gastrectomy cause malabsorption?
No, because the intestines are not bypassed, sleeve gastrectomy should theoretically not cause malabsorption of food and nutrients. However, some vitamin and protein supplements may be required after the operation.
Why is sleeve gastrectomy being considered by some surgeons as a good option for overweight adolescents?
- Short-term results suggest that sleeve gastrectomy is more effective than banding and nearly as good as gastric bypass and other surgeries.
- Because the intestine is NOT bypassed, the likelihood of having nutritional deficiencies and the life-long need for nutritional supplements is reduced. For the adolescent who is still growing, may get pregnant and has his/her whole life ahead of him/her, this is an attractive option.
- Sleeve gastrectomy doesn't "burn any bridges". If the procedure is NOT effective on its own at achieving adequate weight loss and treating other medical problems related to excess weight (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, liver disease), a second-stage operation can be added without significantly increasing the risk of the operation. In fact, the sleeve gastrectomy is the first part of the duodenal switch operation and it is often done in high-risk patients as a staged operation prior to gastric bypass. Many patients don't end up needing the second-stage operation because they achieve enough weight loss and improve their overall health with sleeve gastrectomy alone.
How does the sleeve gastrectomy work?
While not completely understood, sleeve gastrectomy appears to have three main effects:
- It reduces the capacity of the stomach.
- It decreases production of a hormone (ghrelin) involved in stimulating appetite and likely has other hormonal effects.
- It improves emptying of the stomach. Patients describe having less hunger between meals and feel full sooner during meals.
Will the sleeve gastrectomy ‘cure' my diabetes?
The rate of resolution of diabetes has been noted to be as quick as with gastric bypass. Sleeve gastrectomy also appears to significantly improve other health problems, with the exception, perhaps, of dyslipidemias.
Is the complication rate for sleeve gastrectomy higher or lower than gastric bypass?
Because the operation requires fewer connections between bowels, there is probably an overall lower risk of complications during one's lifetime.
Will I get ‘dumping syndrome'?
Dumping syndrome refers to symptoms (which may include cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, sweating and palpitations) that can occur in patients who undergo stomach bypass or stomach reduction surgery. ‘Dumping' occurs in approximately one-third to one-half of patients who undergo gastric bypass. It has not been reported following sleeve gastrectomy.
Who will need a second-stage operation?
Patients with a BMI of greater than 50 or 60 may not achieve enough weight loss to "cure" their diabetes and other health problems. They may require an additional "malabsorptive" procedure to improve their overall health.
What are the major complications associated with sleeve gastrectomy?
The main concern is a leak. It is estimated to occur in less than 1 of every 100 patients undergoing the procedure and can be problematic. Some leaks can be treated with drains or simple surgical repair, but some will require stenting or more aggressive surgical therapy, including removal and bypass of the stomach. Narrowing of the stomach tube can also occur and this usually responds to dilator therapy with endoscopy. On occasion, reoperation is required. If a serious complication is noted at the time of surgery, sleeve gastrectomy becomes unsafe and a gastric bypass or other surgery is required.
What are the disadvantages of the sleeve gastrectomy?
- There are no long-term (greater than 5 year) data available on the sleeve gastrectomy.
- Because a portion of the stomach is removed, it cannot be replaced; thus, the procedure is considered "non-reversible."
What are the nutritional deficiencies from sleeve gastrectomy?
The long-term nutritional consequences are not well known for sleeve gastrectomy, but they are likely to be less than that with other weight-loss procedures because there is no significant malabsorption. Close follow-up is advised.
CRITERIA, HOSPITALIZATION and POST-OPERATIVE CARE
What is the youngest age that is considered for weight-loss surgery?
At our institution, we do not have strict age restrictions or criteria. Each patient is treated individually and offered both medical and surgical options depending on their multidisciplinary evaluation. The sleeve gastrectomy avoids malabsorption and might be considered in younger patients. For gastric bypass, current guidelines established for adolescents advise performing the surgery on patients who have gone through puberty and are physically mature. In general, this age is 13 in girls and 15 in boys. Guidelines have not been made for the sleeve gastrectomy procedure.
What is the oldest age that is being considered for weight-loss surgery?
In general, we refer patients 21 and over to the Adult Bariatric Program.
What do I need to do to become a candidate for weight-loss surgery?
- Complete a detailed registration form.
- Be evaluated by our multidisciplinary team involving surgeon, pediatricians, dietitian and psychologist.
- Be enrolled in a medically supervised intervention program for a minimum of six months.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the procedure and its risks.
- Be committed to the post-operative diet and life-long follow-up.
- Be committed to avoid pregnancy for at least one year after the operation.
- Provide informed consent.
Will my insurance company cover weight-loss surgery? Will they cover the sleeve gastrectomy. Why not? What can I do?
UCLA has been certified as a Center of Excellence by the major accrediting body, the American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (ASBMS), as well several health plans. If your child qualifies for weight-loss surgery, we will do everything possible to help you obtain insurance approval. The ASBMS recently reviewed results of the sleeve gastrectomy and reported that the three year results are comparable to other weight-loss surgeries and better than the gastric band with a lower complication rate. Nonetheless, many insurance companies will demand long-term results prior to funding the sleeve gastrectomy. We feel that children with compromised health can't afford to wait. Even if we are able to achieve short-term results, there is hope of making lifestyle changes during the important "formative" years of adolescence that can last a lifetime. Furthermore, the sleeve gastrectomy procedure doesn't "burn any bridges". Other malabsorptive operations can be "added" to help reduce weight and improve overall health in the future.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Most patients will be in the hospital for two days.
What will I be able to eat after the operation?
Clear liquids are started the day after surgery. Full liquids and protein shakes are started two days after surgery. Well-chewed solid food can be started a few weeks after surgery. Surgery is only an aid, and strict diet-adherence must be maintained. Patients who have long-term success will restrict portions to 1/3 normal serving size for their lifetime.
What medications do I need to take after the operation?
We recommend an anti-ulcer medication (proton pump inhibitor) for a minimum of three months after the operation to help with symptoms. Vitamins supplements will also be given if there are preoperative deficiencies. Birth control may also be prescribed to avoid pregnancy for at least one to two years after the operation.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
The average expected excess body weight loss is 60% after one to two years. For example:
Preoperative body weight: 250 lbs
Ideal body weight: 125 lb
Excess body weight: 125 lbs
60% of excess body weight: 75 lbs
Average expected postoperative weight after two Years: 175 lbs
How quickly does it take to lose the weight?
The majority of weight loss occurs during the first six months after surgery. The weight loss begins to plateau around one to two years after the surgery. There may be a small weight increase after that time.