The Three Incision Gastric Sleeve is a cutting-edge variation of the traditional gastric sleeve surgery, offering a more minimally invasive approach to bariatric surgery. By reducing the number of incisions from the standard five or six to just three, this procedure minimizes scarring, accelerates recovery, and offers patients a more comfortable post-surgery experience.
How Does the Three Incision Gastric Sleeve Work?
In a typical gastric sleeve surgery, a bariatric surgeon removes around 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shaped portion. This smaller stomach restricts the amount of food you can consume, helping you feel full faster and for longer periods. The result is effective and sustainable weight loss. With the Three Incision approach, the core principles of the surgery remain the same, but the reduced number of incisions leads to less tissue trauma and smaller, more discreet scars.
Advantages of Three Incision Gastric Sleeve
- Fewer Scars: Instead of five or six small incisions, the Three Incision technique limits visible scarring, which is appealing for patients who prefer less noticeable marks after surgery.
- Faster Recovery: With fewer incisions, patients often experience less postoperative pain, which can lead to a quicker recovery period and faster return to normal activities.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: A lower number of incisions may reduce the risk of wound-related complications, such as infections, and generally offers a smoother recovery experience.
- Minimally Invasive: Like traditional laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, the Three Incision method is performed using a laparoscope, meaning it’s minimally invasive with fewer disruptions to surrounding tissues.
Who Is a Candidate for the Three Incision Gastric Sleeve?
Patients eligible for the traditional gastric sleeve procedure are generally also candidates for the Three Incision approach. This includes individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or those with a BMI of 30-34.9 who have obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. As with all bariatric procedures, the decision is made on a case-by-case basis after a thorough medical evaluation.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery from the Three Incision Gastric Sleeve is typically quicker than with the traditional gastric sleeve due to the fewer number of incisions. Most patients can return to work or light activities within 1-2 weeks, though full recovery may take several weeks. Patients should follow a specific post-operative diet and gradually reintroduce solid foods under the guidance of their healthcare team.
Weight loss after the surgery tends to be gradual but significant, with most patients losing 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first year. In addition to weight loss, many patients experience improvements in obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and joint pain.
Why Choose Do It Bariatrics?
At Do It Bariatrics, Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela, MD, FACS, a world-renowned bariatric surgeon, specializes in minimally invasive weight loss surgeries, including the Three Incision Gastric Sleeve. With over 10,000 successful surgeries, Dr. Valenzuela and her team provide patients with safe, effective procedures and comprehensive aftercare, ensuring each patient achieves their weight loss goals with optimal support.
Take the Next Step
If you’re considering weight loss surgery and are interested in the Three Incision Gastric Sleeve, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team at Do It Bariatrics is here to guide you through your journey, from your first appointment to long-term follow-up care. Start your path to better health and a brighter future!
Last Updated: September 13th, 2024
Reviewed by: Louisiana Valenzuela, MD, FACS
References
- Stier, C., Chen, W., Chong, T. H., Yang, J., Parmar, C., & Wang, C. (2021). Step-By-Step Instructions For The Innovative Three-Port-Technique of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: How I Do It?.