1 active alerts Show

Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility Renewals

Medicaid and CHIP eligibility renewals are required this year. Learn more

Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery)

Gastric Sleeve

Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive bariatric surgery.

What is a Gastric Sleeve? Advantages Risks Contact Us

Sleeve Gastrectomy

During this procedure, the surgeon removes approximately 60-70% of the stomach. This leaves a much smaller stomach that is about the size and shape of a banana. The reduced size of the stomach causes patients to feel full quickly and therefore limits how much they eat at one time. The surgery also works because the piece of stomach that is removed contains many cells that produce the "hunger hormone," called ghrelin. For this reason many patients report feeling less hungry after surgery.

Advantages of the Sleeve Gastrectomy

Average sleeve patients will lose approximately 70% of their excess body weight within two years.
The stomach is reduced in size and the amount of food that can be eaten is restricted. Otherwise the stomach functions normally.
The major part of the stomach which produces hormones responsible for stimulating hunger is removed from the digestive system.
The problem of “dumping” is avoided as the pylorus (muscle between the stomach and small bowel) is not altered.
Minimizes the possibility of the patient developing ulcers, especially in those patients who take occasional NSAIDS (ibuprofen, advil, aleve for example).

Risks/Complications Related to the Sleeve Gastrectomy

Standard risks associated with surgery, like pain, bleeding, blood clots and infection.
Nausea and vomiting.
Leakage and/or bleeding at the suture/staple line.
Development or worsening of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn.
Vitamin and protein deficiency.