Sleeve gastrectomy generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten by removing 85 percent or more of the stomach. What remains of the stomach is a narrow tube or sleeve, which connects to the intestines.

The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption.

Sleeve gastrectomy is currently indicated as an alternative to gastric banding for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals. It is occasionally considered a first step in a two-step surgical procedure for high-risk patients.

Expected Weight Loss

Patients typically lose 50 to 60 percent of their excess weight. Most weight loss is seen one to two years after surgery.

Patient Manual Index

• Introduction
• Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company
• Your Health Care Team
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
• Adjustable Gastric Banding Procedure
• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Duodenal Switch
• Revisional Procedures
• Path to Surgery
• The First Clinic Visit
• The Preoperative Surgical Clinic Visit
• The Preoperative Educational Clinic Visit
• Preparation Instructions for Surgery
• Day of Surgery and Postoperative Stay
• Hospital Course Following a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
• Hospital Course Following an Adjustable Gastric Banding Procedure
• Post Surgery Follow-up Care
• Potential Complications of Surgery