Sleeve Gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery offers options for many people who may have otherwise continued to struggle with obesity. Each option offers something specific depending on your lifestyle, your health, and your weight loss goals. Sleeve Gastrectomy (also known as Gastric Sleeve surgery) can be a wonderful solution for those who want the benefits of Gastric Bypass but are concerned about potential long-term side effects.

Like Gastric Bypass, the Gastric Sleeve involves resection of the portion of the stomach that produces grehlin – the hormone that is the major contributor to the feeling of hunger. As a result, patients who undergo Sleeve Gastrectomy report a reduced appetite, allowing them to lose weight. There are, however, some medications – such as anti-inflammatory medications – that must be avoided following a Sleeve Gastrectomy because the surgery increases the risk of developing ulcers. Discuss all medications that you are taking with your doctor so you can choose the best surgery for you.

Here’s how it works:

A Sleeve Gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically. During the procedure, a large portion of the stomach is divided vertically and removed. This is the non-reversible part of the procedure. The remaining stomach – now reduced to about 25% of its original size – is shaped like a banana and resembles a tube or sleeve.

This procedure results in gastric restriction; the size of the stomach is reduced, therefore the amount of food volume that can be comfortably ingested is also reduced.

In most cases, a Gastric Sleeve is just as effective as a Gastric Bypass which accounts for its rise as one of the fastest growing options for weight loss surgery in the U.S. During a Gastric Bypass, the stomach is divided but not removed, while the nerves to the stomach and the pylorus (the outlet valve that regulates the release of food from the stomach to the small intestine) are removed. During a Gastric Sleeve, while a portion of the stomach is removed, the pylorus remains intact thus allowing for the preservation of stomach function while reducing stomach volume.