Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Sleeve
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure in which approximately 75–80% of the stomach is surgically removed. The remaining stomach resembles a tube or "sleeve," significantly limiting the amount of food a person can eat and reducing hunger by altering hormone levels.
It’s currently the most commonly performed bariatric surgery worldwide, due to its balance of effectiveness, simplicity, and safety.
Why Choose Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve offers a powerful solution for individuals struggling with obesity and related health conditions. Benefits include:
- Rapid, sustainable weight loss (up to 65–70% of excess weight in 12–18 months)
- Reduction or resolution of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- High cholesterol
- No intestinal rerouting, making it less invasive than gastric bypass
- Fewer long-term complications and nutritional deficiencies
- Reduction in the hunger hormone ghrelin, naturally suppressing appetite
- Can be performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), which means faster recovery
It’s an ideal option for those seeking major weight loss without the anatomical complexity of bypass surgery.
Pre-Treatment Consultation
Before undergoing the gastric sleeve procedure, patients go through a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared:
- Full medical history and physical exam
- Nutritional and psychological assessments
- Laboratory tests and imaging
- Review of past weight loss efforts and current health conditions
Patients receive education on:
- The surgery and its risks
- Post-surgical expectations
- Lifestyle and dietary changes
- Importance of long-term follow-up
This ensures a safe procedure and successful outcomes.
Before and After the Treatment
Before:
- A pre-op diet (usually 2–3 weeks) to shrink the liver and reduce surgical risk
- No food 12 hours before surgery
- Smoking and alcohol cessation
After:
- Hospital stay of 2–3 days
- Return to non-strenuous activities in 1–2 weeks
- Special 4-phase diet (clear liquids → full liquids → pureed foods → solids over 6–8 weeks)
- Most weight loss occurs in the first 6–12 months
- Lifelong vitamin supplements and nutritional monitoring are required
Who Can Benefit from Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric sleeve is recommended for people who:
- Have a BMI ≥ 40, or BMI ≥ 35 with obesity-related conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise without success
- Are motivated and committed to lifelong lifestyle changes
- Do not want malabsorptive procedures (like gastric bypass)
- Are not eligible for or prefer an alternative to gastric balloon or gastric bypass
It’s a great middle-ground for patients looking for a balance between safety and strong weight-loss outcomes.
How Is the Treatment Performed?
The surgery is done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anesthesia:
- The surgeon removes 75–80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow, tube-shaped “sleeve.”
- No rerouting of the intestines is involved.
- The new stomach limits food intake and significantly reduces hunger.
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Hospitalization: 2–3 nights
Recovery time: 2–4 weeks
Treatment Options for Gastric Sleeve
While the standard vertical sleeve gastrectomy is the most common, some variations or related procedures include:
- Single-Incision Sleeve Surgery (scar-minimizing approach)
- Revision Sleeve Surgery (if the initial sleeve was not successful or for patients regaining weight)
- Sleeve-to-Bypass Conversion (for those needing stronger metabolic control later)
- Mini Sleeve + Gastric Balloon Combo (for tailored cases)
Your bariatric team will guide the best path depending on your health goals and anatomy.
