Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal Bypass (SASI) FAQs: We answer your questions

Single Anastomosis Stomach-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SASI-S) is one of the newest bariatric procedures and is an improved version of the Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal bypass with Sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S).

What makes SASI-S one of the most popular weight-loss procedures today is the combination of the benefits of a sleeve gastrectomy (commonly known as gastric sleeve) and a mini-gastric bypass. The risk of nutritional problems is subsequently reduced in the long run.

Obesity and obesity-related health risks are affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. There are weight-loss treatments that can help you start a healthier life. Besides SASI-S, there are other options that might work for you, including non-surgical treatments such as the Apollo OverStitch.

In this article, we collected a series of questions that our patients often ask us about SASI-S. If you’d like to know more or have a personalised consultation with one of our specialists, contact us anytime.

What is Single Anastomosis Stomach–Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, or SASI-S?

Single Anastomosis Stomach–Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy, also known as SASI-S, is a weight-loss procedure that modifies parts of the digestive tract to limit the amount of food ingested and the way it is absorbed.

SASI-S is a surgical procedure and is performed laparoscopically: a few, tiny incisions are created in your abdomen to access the stomach and perform the procedure. Surgeries performed with a laparoscope are less invasive than traditional ones and normally require a shorter recovery time. Scarring will be minimal.

SASI-S: What does the procedure entail?

SASI-S lasts around one hour. You will be administered general anaesthesia.

The first step involves creating a gastric sleeve: the surgeon will remove about two thirds of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped pouch. Sleeve gastrectomy reduces the size of your stomach and you will feel full sooner, limiting the amount of food intake.

Secondly, the surgeon will perform the mini-gastric bypass: the bottom part of the stomach (antrum) to the lower part of the small bowel (ileum) are connected so that half of the food that is ingested bypasses the small intestine, reducing the absorption of fats, sugar, and calories. Then, the surgeon joins the newly-formed stomach to the small intestine.

Are you a candidate for SASI-S?

Just like any bariatric procedures, SASI-S aims to support obese or severely obese individuals in their weight-loss journey. Although each case needs to be evaluated on an individual basis, SASI-S is typically recommended for:

• Patients whose BMI is greater than 40;
• Patients whose BMI is between 35 and 40 and have one or more health problems associated with obesity, such as: sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, or heart disease.
• Patients whose BMI is greater than 30 and have an obesity-related illness might also be candidates.

What is the difference between SASI-S and SADI-S?

As already mentioned, SASI-S can be considered an improved version of SADI-S. While these procedures involve a few similar steps, the outcomes and long-term prospects are fundamentally different.

One crucial difference between SASI-S and SADI-S is how the bypass is created. With SASI-S, the surgeon joins the stomach with the distal small bowel (ileum), while during a SADI-S, the duodenum and the ileum are joined. This causes less cutting and dissection, as well as less pressure on the newly-stapled stomach, making SASI-S a safer procedure.

Having SASI-S abroad: How does it work?

Having surgery abroad can be daunting and we understand that. This is why we do our best to make your experience as easy as possible – from planning to travelling to our clinic in Poland. First of all, get in touch with us! Our patient coordinators are our first point of contact with our patients and are happy to answer all your questions. They will also take care of scheduling your treatment and booking a hotel, if necessary. Moreover, we offer pick-up and drop-off services to and from the airport to make your stay as worry-free as possible.

What should you consider before undergoing SASI-S?

During your first consultation with one of our patient coordinators, you will be asked to provide a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are currently taking. We might need to restrict the drugs you take before and after surgery, so make sure you give us a complete overview.

Before surgery, make sure you stop smoking at least two weeks before. Last but not least, remember that surgery is just one step of your whole weight-loss journey. Committing to a healthier lifestyle is what makes all the difference, so always follow your doctor’s post-op guidelines carefully.

What are the SASI-S post-op guidelines?

You will spend one night at our clinic and upon discharge, you will receive a thorough post-surgery diet and exercise plan for you to follow. It is very important that you follow these guidelines thoroughly. You are starting a new chapter in your life and your dedication and commitment will pay off!

SASI-S post-op guidelines include:

• Move around 3-4 hours after the operation. Routine activities can be resumed after a few days.
• Reducing the calories intake by following a liquid diet. You will then slowly transition to pureed foods.
• Portion eating.
• No fried foods or sodas.
• Light exercise right after surgery and then more intense workouts after two months.
• Daily exercise routine with different levels of intensity depending on your recovery time.

If you are unsure of whether SASI-S is right for you, contact us! We will be happy to talk to you and walk you through your options. Bariatric surgery includes a variety of procedures and we’ll be happy to assist you in your weight-loss journey right on.