Gastric Sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is a weight loss surgical procedure during which a large portion of the patient’s stomach is removed. The surgeon reduces the patient’s stomach to about 15 to 20 percent of its original size. The term “sleeve” refers to the shape of the stomach which will resemble a sleeve or tube-like structure once the procedure has been completed.

This surgical procedure permanently reduces the size of the patient’s stomach. Sleeve gastrectomy restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. It also results in hormonal changes that promote significant weight loss. Sleeve gastrectomy procedures are performed laparoscopically. The procedure is not reversible. However, if necessary, the sleeve gastrectomy may be revised.

How Gastric Sleeve surgery is performed

Gastric sleeve surgery is a laparoscopic procedure that uses minimally invasive techniques to eliminate the need for large abdominal incisions and the associated risks that come with them.

During surgery a bariatric surgeon divides the upper portion of the stomach from the lower portion leaving a tube-shaped “sleeve” to serve as the stomach. Most sleeve gastrectomy procedures require just three to five small incisions. The procedure is performed on an inpatient basis and takes about 90 minutes. The surgery does not affect the sphincters (circular muscles) that connect the stomach and the esophagus or lower intestine.

The Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Most surgeries can be performed laparoscopically using a minimally invasive approach. As a result, most patients can expect a shorter recovery time, smaller incisions, and less pain.
• During the procedure, the surgeon removes the majority portion of the stomach that generates ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger.
• The intestines remain intact throughout the procedure; no disconnecting or re-routing is required.
• The stomach continues to function normally following surgery. Patients can eat most foods, albeit in smaller portions.
• Unlike other surgical weight loss procedures, it will not cause “dumping syndrome” which can cause patients to experience abdominal cramps, nausea and other symptoms.