Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery involves the removal of about 80% of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This procedure brings two major benefits:

• Feel full with less food: The reduced stomach size leads to early fullness, helping you eat smaller portions and still feel satisfied.
• Reduced hunger: By removing the portion of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone (ghrelin), you’ll experience a natural reduction in appetite.

How Does it Work?

After the surgery, your new stomach will be approximately the size of a banana and hold about 5 oz (150 ml) of food. You’ll notice that even small amounts of food make you feel full. Some patients experience new signals of fullness, like hiccups or gas, which help them recognize when to stop eating.

Beyond just weight loss, the gastric sleeve can positively affect your metabolism, helping to control conditions like high blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol. In many cases (up to 70%), patients with diabetes or high cholesterol can reduce or stop taking medications after surgery.

Benefits of the Procedure:

1. Straightforward surgery with a relatively short recovery time.
2. Suitable for patients who may not be candidates for more complex procedures.
3. Can be an effective first step for people with severe obesity.
4. Helps improve obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Concerns to Consider:

1. The surgery is permanent and cannot be undone.
2. Some patients may experience acid reflux after the procedure.
3. The metabolic effects, while significant, might be less than those of a gastric bypass.