Sleeve Gastrectomy

The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also referred to as Gastric Sleeve, Vertical Sleeve, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, or the Parietal Gastrectomy) ha become the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in North America. The surgery is SAFE and EFFECTIVE in adults and adolescents and has become the most commonly performed surgery in our practice.

Sleeve Gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery where the stomach is divided length-ways with a line of staples and sutures to form a long narrow tube similar in shape to a banana – the “sleeve”.  The outer portion of the stomach (about 80% of the stomach) is then separated and removed leaving the small stomach tube or sleeve.

Although the stomach volume is reduced in the gastric sleeve surgery, the new pouch still functions normally so most food items can be consumed in small amounts.  Additionally, the removed part of the stomach is responsible for secreting the hormone ghrelin which stimulates hunger.  By removing this hunger hormone, appetite is easier to control.

Like the LapBand, sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive weight loss surgery that reduces the capacity of the stomach and feelings of hunger.  Unlike gastric band surgery, sleeve gastrectomy is achieved by removing a portion of the stomach so it is not reversible.

Historically the sleeve gastrectomy was performed as a two stage bariatric procedure for very heavy or sick patients. The gastric sleeve surgery was performed first followed several months later by a duodenal switch or gastric bypass procedure.

In recent years, sleeve gastrectomy has been performed as a single surgery for patients as an alternative to other weight loss surgeries.  The gastric sleeve surgery is offered as an alternative surgery for people who do not wish to have gastric band surgery or the more invasive weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass.  The sleeve gastrectomy is also a great option for patients with medical conditions such as anemia, Crohn’s disease and various other health conditions that make them a poor candidate for other types of bariatric surgery.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy produces the greatest, most consistent safest weight loss of any bariatric procedure being performed today.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy is also an excellent surgery to use in revision surgeries especially for patients who have regained weight with other procedures.