Gastric Sleeve Surgery

During a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, your bariatric surgeon will remove up to 80 percent of your stomach and form the remaining part into a tube that resembles a sleeve.

Your significantly smaller stomach reduces the amount of food you are able to eat and drink, initially to about half a cup at a time. Your smaller stomach also produces less of the hormones that affect your appetite. The combination of being able to eat less and wanting to eat less results in significant weight loss. 

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
In most cases, your surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen through which instruments, including a video camera, are passed to visualize the area and perform the procedure. Sometimes, surgeons may use devices such as magnets or robot-assisted surgery to enhance their surgical flexibility and precision. This minimally invasive surgery approach:

• Shortens your hospital stay (typically one night)
• Leaves small scars
• Helps you recover quickly and with less pain 

Overall Weight Loss Surgery Benefits
The long-term success of bariatric surgery depends on your ability to make permanent changes in your diet, behavior, and exercise. When those changes take place, studies show that people who undergo bariatric surgery:

• Live longer
• Experience fewer health problems including reduced cardiovascular risk, less sleep apnea, and less joint-related pain
• Enjoy improved quality of life

There are additional benefits specific to gastric sleeve surgery.

Expected Weight Loss for Gastric Sleeve Procedure
The average person loses about 60 percent of their excess weight over 12 to 18 months. Because this is a relatively new procedure, there is less information about long-term weight loss. Over time, people appear to experience less weight loss when compared to gastric bypass.

Gastric Sleeve Advantages

• All foods can be tolerated in small amounts. 
• There is no dumping syndrome, which can occur with gastric bypass surgery.
• There are fewer issues with ulcers among people who take NSAIDs (like ibuprofen).

Learn more about other common types of weight loss surgeries and their overall benefits.

A gastric sleeve procedure is generally considered safe; complications and death are rare when it's performed by a competent surgeon. The following complications may occur.

Failure to Lose Weight and Weight Regain
This may occur because the stomach pouch is too large or lifestyle habits don’t change. In addition, because the pouch can expand over time, the amount of food you can eat can increase, which can lead to weight loss stopping and the start of weight gain.

Not as Successful at Treating Type 2 Diabetes
Gastric sleeve is not as effective when compared to gastric bypass surgery or duodenal switch.

It Is Not Reversible
Removing a large portion of your stomach cannot be reversed.

Smaller Stomach Leaks
Leaks may occur shortly after surgery or, in rare cases, years following surgery. 

Internal Hernia and Ulcers May Occur
 The risk is lower than with gastric bypass.

Acid Reflux or GERD Are More Common
These conditions often require medication.

Malnutrition
May result from the dramatic decrease in food intake. This may be addressed through diet and nutritional supplements. 

Constipation
Can lead to abdominal pain but can be treated with a stool softener.