During sleeve gastrectomy surgery, your bariatric surgeon will remove approximately 75 to 85 percent of your stomach, maintaining the remainder of your digestive tract.  Sleeve gastrectomy procedures preserve the natural continuity between the esophagus, stomach and small intestine so malabsorption rarely occurs.  The sleeve gastrectomy approach also guards against other possible complications such as marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions.

The sleeve gastrectomy is often recommended for patients that need to lose weight before having an additional weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass.  However, many weight loss patients lose the desired amount of weight after the sleeve gastrectomy surgery and do not have a second weight loss surgery.  Within the first year, weight loss can be 46 percent to 83 percent of excess body weight.

The sleeve gastrectomy procedure is preferred by patients who do not desire intestinal malabsorption, or an implantable device, and may be an appealing option for individuals concerned with the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing  conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery can be performed through an open incision or laparoscopically.  Patients who have laparoscopic gastric surgery typically experience reduced hospital stays, smaller incisions, less scarring, and often a quicker recovery than traditional “open” procedures.  You and your bariatric surgeon will discuss your options and create a customized plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs.

Advantages of sleeve gastrectomy surgery

• Reduces stomach size, but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed in small amounts
• Does not require an implantable device or intestinal rerouting
• Maintains natural continuity of digestive system
• Guards against marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiencies, and intestinal obstructions
• Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormone, Ghrelin, that stimulates appetite

Disadvantages of sleeve gastrectomy surgery

• Patients with a higher BMI may need to have a second stage weight loss surgical procedure to lose additional weight.
• The procedure involves stomach stapling so leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur.
• Because a large portion of the stomach is removed, the procedure is not reversible.