Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss operation that involves removing 75-85% of the stomach. The remaining stomach is shaped into a tube, or sleeve, and is about the size of a small banana. This surgery is one of the most popular weight loss surgeries in the world, and it is known for its high success rate and relatively low risk of complications.

How does gastric sleeve surgery work?

Gastric sleeve surgery works in two ways. Firstly, it reduces the amount of food that you can eat at one time. Your new stomach is much smaller than your original stomach, so you will feel full after eating a smaller amount of food. Second, gastric sleeve surgery removes the part of your stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin. This means that you will feel less hungry after surgery.

What are the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery has many benefits, including:

  • Significant weight loss: Most people who have gastric sleeve surgery lose 70-75% of their excess weight within the first 12-24 months.
  • Improved health conditions: Gastric sleeve surgery can help to improve or resolve many health conditions related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
  • Increased quality of life: Gastric sleeve surgery can help people to live healthier and more active lives. After surgery, many people find that they have more energy, less pain, and improved self-esteem.

What are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery?

Like any surgery, gastric sleeve surgery carries some risks. However, the overall risk of complications is relatively low. Some of the potential risks of gastric sleeve surgery include:

  • Bleeding at time of surgery
  • Leak from the staple line
  • Reflux
  • Low Iron and vitamin B12

Who is a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is recommended for people who:

  • Have obesity with BMI of 35 or over
  • Have obesity and diabetes
  • Have serious health conditions related to obesity
  • Have tried and failed to lose weight with diet and exercise

What is the recovery process like after gastric sleeve surgery?

Most people stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after gastric sleeve surgery. After surgery, you will need to follow a strict diet to allow your stomach to heal. You will start with a liquid diet and gradually move up to a solid diet over several weeks. You will also need to take vitamins and supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

What is the long-term outlook after gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a very effective weight loss procedure. Most people who have gastric sleeve surgery are able to lose significant weight and keep it off in the long term. However, it is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly after surgery to maintain your weight loss.

Additional information for non-medical readers
  • Gastric sleeve surgery is a permanent surgery. Once the part of your stomach is removed, it cannot be put back.
  • Gastric sleeve surgery is not a magic bullet for weight loss. You will still need to make healthy lifestyle choices after surgery in order to maintain your weight loss.
  • Gastric sleeve surgery is not without risks. However, the overall risk of complications is relatively low.
  • If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor to see if it is the right option for you.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind if you are considering gastric sleeve surgery:
  • It is important to have a realistic understanding of what to expect from surgery. Gastric sleeve requires a preparation diet and 1-2 weeks off work.
  • You will need to make significant changes to your diet and lifestyle after surgery. This includes eating smaller meals, chewing your food thoroughly, and exercising regularly.
  • Gastric sleeve surgery is not a cure for all of your problems. You may still have some health conditions related to obesity after surgery. However, gastric sleeve surgery can help to improve or resolve many of these conditions.

If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery, talk to your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of this procedure. They can help you to decide if gastric sleeve surgery is the right option for you.

Overview