Sleeve gastrectomy is the newest weight loss surgery procedure. Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is a laparoscopic procedure that removes approximately 75% of the stomach leaving behind a smaller, tube-shaped stomach or “sleeve.” The new smaller stomach limits the amount of food that is required to feel full and leads to weight loss.

Additional, the removal of the majority of the stomach also results in the elimination of hormones produced within the stomach which stimulate hunger. The stomach continues to function normally after the procedure.

Expected Weight Loss from Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery is 60-80% of your excess weight

Sleeve gastrectomy patients tend to lose more than gastric banding patients, but less than gastric bypass patients.

Advantages

• Brisk weight loss
• No implantation of an artificial device
• Low risk of nutrient deficiencies
• Does not involve moving the intestines from one place to another
• Does not require frequent follow-up appointments for adjustments

Disadvantages

• Risk of a leak or bleeding along the staple line or “seam”
• The narrow pouch can kink, fold, or become blocked in some other way
• Over the years, the narrow, tubular stomach may expand increasing the patient’s food capacity.
• The long term outcome of weight loss will not be known for several years as this is a newer procedure.