Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy

In robotic sleeve gastrectomy, about 60-80 percent of the stomach is removed, creating a long sleeve shape. By reducing the size of the stomach, patients will eat less since the stomach is physically smaller and can’t hold as much food. This procedure allows the patient to drop pounds while still absorbing the full amount of nutrients from food. Sleeve gastrectomy has a lower complication rate than gastric bypass surgery and typically requires a shorter hospital stay than other bariatric procedures.

How is Robotic Surgery Performed?

During a robotic gastrectomy, surgeons make a few small incisions in the abdomen and are assisted by a robotic platform to help perform the surgery. The surgeon controls the console technology, making it just as useful as a more traditional surgical instrument. A camera enables the surgeon to see inside the body while using tools to cut part of the stomach vertically into two sections. The larger section is removed and the remaining stomach is stapled shut, creating the sleeve.

In a sleeve gastrectomy, no surgery is needed on the small intestine and so food progresses naturally throughout the digestive system. Performed using the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System, surgeons gain greater dexterity and visualization during the surgery. It’s a less invasive approach compared to traditional open surgeries. Patients benefits from robotic procedures includes smaller incisions, less blood loss and less change of infection.

Advantages of the Sleeve Gastrectomy

Losing a large amount of body weight can help cure obesity-related diseases including diabetes, hypertension, stroke, sleep apnea and so many serious medical conditions. Since the sleeve gastrectomy procedure is a  minimally invasive procedure, most patients can expect a shorter hospital stay, less pain and fewer complications than with traditional surgery.

After a robotic sleeve gastrectomy, patients will feel much feel hungry – less often. Most patients can expect to lose 60-80 percent of excess body weight within two years after the procedure. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the gastrectomy doesn’t require the intestines to be detached or rerouted. A patient can still absorb the full amount of nutrients and minerals from  food.

Is robotic sleeve gastrectomy the right option for me?

Many factors such as your health and weight-loss goals will determine if you are a qualified candidate for a sleeve gastrectomy. Attend a free educational seminar to learn more about the benefits and possible risks of the bariatric surgeries available at Manatee Weight Loss Center in Bradenton, FL.

Warning: This video contains graphic images of a surgical procedure. Viewer discretion advised.

Dr. Stelios Rekkas performs a surgical sleeve gastrectomy on a Manatee weight-loss patient.

Watch the video →

Robotic weight loss surgeries including robot-assisted gastric sleeve surgery, could be for you. It’s important to determine which type of minimally invasive weight-loss surgery best fits your unique needs. Whether it is gastric sleeve surgery or robotic gastric bypass, Manatee Weight Loss Center is here for you.

After months of preparation leading up to the bariatric surgery, you’ll have a long list of things to do once you return home and start the healing process. For example, the postoperative diet guide details a specific diet plan to help patients maintain weight-loss and gain strength after surgery. The guide helps you determine what kind of food you should eat – And when, how to haandle vitamin deficiencies or portion control.

Once you are cleared to eat solids again, it’s very important to follow the doctor-prescribed eating plan that will help sustain steady and safe weight loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several smart tips for better nutrition after surgery are:

• Eat smaller amounts of vegetables, whole grains and natural whole foods.
• Try a variety of easily digestible proteins such as fish, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds.
• Avoid foods high in saturated fats (and high in cholesterol) like fast food.
• Follow portion control, drink more water and graze on tiny amounts throughout the day.

Contact us

Surgeons at Manatee Weight Loss Center can answer your questions and help determine which minimally invasive weight-loss solution is best for you. Complete the online patient interest form or call 941-254-4957 for more information.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery or robotic surgery is right for you.