The gastric sleeve surgery, otherwise known as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular procedure due to its effectiveness and perceived simplicity. It consists of removing a large portion of the stomach to limit the patient’s food intake, resulting in weight loss. Although the gastric sleeve is a non-reversible procedure, it can be revised to a gastric bypass if needed.
How it Works
During the operation, the surgeon will place a tube in the stomach along the inner curve. The purpose of the tube is to act as a guide. The surgeon will then staple the stomach from the lower edge to the upper edge, allowing the outer part of the stomach to be removed. This results in a tubular, or banana, shaped stomach that is 70 to 80% smaller than its original size.
Since the new stomach has a smaller volume, patients will feel full faster and consume smaller portions of food, resulting in weight loss. Additionally, since a large portion of the stomach is removed, patients can experience a reduction in hunger as the hunger-regulating hormone, ghrelin, which is produced in the stomach, is reduced.
*The tube used to size the stomach is removed after the operation.
The gastric sleeve weight loss surgery takes about 30 minutes to perform, and patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Depending on the type of work performed, patients will be able to return to work within 2 to 4 weeks from surgery.
Since the new stomach has a smaller volume, patients will feel full faster and consume smaller portions of food, resulting in weight loss. Additionally, since a large portion of the stomach is removed, patients can experience a reduction in hunger as the hunger-regulating hormone, ghrelin, which is produced in the stomach, is reduced.
*The tube used to size the stomach is removed after the operation.
The gastric sleeve weight loss surgery takes about 30 minutes to perform, and patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Depending on the type of work performed, patients will be able to return to work within 2 to 4 weeks from surgery.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Patients who have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery can expect to lose 65 to 75% of their excess body weight within the first year.
*Excess body weight is the percentage of how much weight was lost based on how much you have or want to lose.
Improvement or resolution of serious medical conditions
Long term cost savings as a result of reduced medical care
Improvement in overall health and quality of life