Gastric Sleeve or Sleeve Gastrectomy

The Sleeve Gastrectomy is an operation in which the left side of the stomach is surgically removed, decreasing food intake and so achieving weight reduction.

This results in a new stomach that is roughly the size and shape of a banana.

This is a definitive and non reversible operation because 80% of the stomach is resected and removed from the abdomen

Since this operation does not involve any "rerouting" or reconnecting of the intestines, it is qualified as a restrictive operation.

This technique reduces the size of the stomach by about 80%. It is divided vertically from top to bottom leaving a banana shaped stomach along the inside curve.

The pyloric valve, which regulates the emptying of the stomach into the small intestine, remains intact. This means that although smaller, the stomach function remains unaltered.

Because the patient can only eat a small meal, they will lose weight, especially if they also comply with a low fat, low sugar diet. Due to the reduced stomach size, the patient will also feel full for longer periods.

 
This operation is relatively quick to perform, can usually be done through laparoscopy and post-operative stay in the hospital is normally 1–2 days.