Sleeve Gastrectomy / Gastric Sleeve

Sleeve Gastrectomy is also called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Sleeve. It involves transforming the stomach pouch into a long tube, hence the name. The Sleeve removes two-thirds of the stomach, which provides for a quicker sense of fullness and decreased appetite. The smaller stomach pouch restricts food intake by allowing only a small amount of food to be eaten at one time. The remainder of the stomach is removed.

The sleeve gastrectomy is a surgery performed solely on the stomach. There is no rerouting of the intestines like with the gastric bypass or duodenal switch procedures. The valve at the outlet of the stomach remains; this provides for the normal process of stomach emptying to continue which allows for the feeling of fullness. If you eat too quickly, take large bites of food, drink fluids with meals/snacks, eat dry, tough, or sticky foods, vomiting or discomfort can occur.

The valve at the outlet of the stomach remains; this provides for the normal process of stomach emptying to continue which allows for the feeling of fullness. If you eat too quickly, take large bites of food, drink fluids with meals/snacks, eat dry, tough, or sticky foods, vomiting or discomfort can occur.

The sleeve is created with a surgical stapler along the inside curve of the stomach.
The valve at the outlet of the stomach remains, which provides for the normal process of stomach-emptying to continue, which allows for the feeling of fullness.
After the new stomach is created the remaining stomach is removed.

The sleeve gastrectomy is typically performed in less than an hour. The majority of the outer portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a small tubular stomach behind (see photo). Often, most patients feel less hungry and are less interested in carbohydrates, and patients lose weight* despite usually not feeling hungry.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages

Simplest bariatric procedure
Lowest incidence of complications
Included in bariatric benefits by most insurance companies
Minimal risk of dumping syndrome

Sleeve Gastrectomy Recovery Timeline

Hospital stay is typically 24 to 48 hours
Many patients return to regular activity within 1 to 2 weeks
Heavy lifting is restricted for roughly 4 weeks

Potential Sleeve Considerations

Common side effects early on include nausea and feeling full. If you eat too quickly or too much, you may throw up, which defeats the purpose of the surgery. The average meal should be one cup of food or less over 30 minutes, five times daily, spaced 3-4 hours apart. Average weight loss depends on several factors, the most important being the patient’s compliance with their diet. Other factors include the patient’s initial weight, the incorporation of exercise and increased physical activity, the avoidance of calorie-laden beverages, and adherence to medical therapy for other ailments. Average weight loss is between 50% and 70% of your excess weight.*

Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages

Increased risk of reflux
Weight loss success is more dependent on patient compliance with lifestyle changes
Standard surgical risks
Nausea and vomiting
Leaks from the staple line