Gastric Sleeve Specialist

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Also called laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, this weight loss surgery removes a large portion of your stomach – up to 85 percent – leaving a banana-shaped “sleeve” or tube that serves as your “new” stomach. The gastric sleeve procedure typically results in significant weight loss since your stomach is able to hold and process far less food and far fewer calories.

How is the gastric sleeve procedure performed?

The gastric sleeve procedure is performed under general anesthesia using a laparoscope, a special instrument designed to work through small incisions. Most procedures take about an hour to 90 minutes to perform and require from three to five small incisions. During the surgery, the lower portion of the stomach is removed, leaving the sleeve-shaped portion attached to the esophagus and the small intestine. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve procedures do not affect the small intestine.

What are the risks and side effects of the gastric sleeve?

Since gastric sleeve surgery removes so much of your stomach, it can also have an impact on how many nutrients your body is able to absorb. The impact, however, is much less than that which occurs as a result of gastric bypass, which eliminates a portion of the small intestine where many nutrients are processed. However, you may still need to take nutritional supplements to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need. Some patients may also experience frequent bouts of heartburn, indigestion or nausea following the procedure, but these effects are almost always due to eating too much at one time. Following the dietary guidelines provided after surgery is an essential part of achieving optimal results. Very few patients may develop stomach ulcers, and even fewer may develop scarring that can cause bowel blockage and requires surgery to correct.