Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric procedure that induces weight loss by restricting food intake. With this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the stomach laparoscopically so that the stomach takes a “sleeve” or tube shape. This procedure is typically performed on highly obese or high-risk patients. Sleeve gastrectomy is superior to bands and offers many of the benefits of the more aggressive procedures minus their complications and side effects.

The sleeve gastrectomy procedure is performed to diminish a patient’s appetite and slow down his or her caloric intake thus making drastic weight loss possible. This type of procedure does not involve any rerouting or reconnecting of the intestines or the use of foreign bodies.

Our La Peer team, at The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, will help you determine whether sleeve gastrectomy is appropriate for you and exactly how it will be performed.

Benefits of a Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure

• The feeling of fullness
• Rapid, dramatic weight loss results
• Minimally invasive. Does not require disconnecting or reconnecting of the intestines
• Stomach functions as normal, allowing the majority of foods to be eaten, but in smaller portions
• Stomach portion that produces hunger stimulating hormone (Gherlin) is removed
• No dumping syndrome due to pyloric portion of stomach is left intact
• No intestinal bypass
• Faster recovery
• Smaller scars
• Surgery is performed laparoscopically
• No foreign bodies used as in the Lap Band surgery

How a Sleeve Gastrectomy Works to Help You Lose Weight

During the procedure, a thin vertical sleeve shape in the stomach is created using a stapling device, and the remainder of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is typically about the size of a banana. This procedure limits the amount of food intake and helps you feel full much more quickly. It allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract normally allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a couple of weeks and are fully recovered within about three weeks.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can be the first step before a gastric bypass procedure in very high risk patients, or it can be a single procedure for weight loss for the majority of patients. If a sleeve gastrectomy were used as part of a two-step procedure, the first step would be to create the smaller stomach sleeve shape. In time, another procedure would be done in which the surgeon attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the stomach pouch. This allows digested food to bypass a portion of the small intestine. Doing this enables your body to absorb fewer calories, in addition to limiting the amount of food intake. Some patients may not be able to tolerate both procedures at once. Therefore, this two-step process is sometimes advised.

Learn more about Sleeve Gastrectomy

If you’re considering sleeve gastrectomy surgery, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a trained bariatric surgeon at The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by calling (888) 391-0182. You’ll learn about surgical options and you will encounter bariatric staff members who will support you before and after your surgery. There’s no better place to get surgical weight loss information.