Gastric
Sleeve surgery
Transform yourself with
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Gastric
Sleeve surgery
Transform yourself with
"*" indicates required fields
By submitting this form you agree to receive emails, calls, and text messages from BodEvolve related to our services. This agreement is not a condition to purchase and you can opt-out at any time.
Overview
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to promote long-term weight loss. By surgically removing approximately 80% of the stomach, the procedure creates a smaller, tube-like stomach that limits food intake and alters hunger hormones. Unlike gastric bypass, this surgery does not reroute the digestive system, making it a preferred option for many seeking significant weight loss with fewer long-term complications.
How does gastric sleeve surgery help with weight loss?
This procedure facilitates weight loss in two key ways:
- Restriction of food intake – A smaller stomach reduces the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, leading to a natural reduction in calorie intake.
- Hormonal changes – By removing a portion of the stomach responsible for producing ghrelin (the hunger hormone), patients often experience reduced appetite and fewer cravings, which helps with long-term weight management.
How common is gastric sleeve surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy is the most frequently performed bariatric surgery in the United States and worldwide. More than 150,000 gastric sleeve procedures are performed annually in the U.S., making up over half of all weight loss surgeries. Globally, approximately 380,000 individuals undergo this procedure each year. Despite its effectiveness, only a small percentage of eligible candidates pursue bariatric surgery.
What health conditions can gastric sleeve surgery improve?
In addition to promoting weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery can lead to significant improvements in obesity-related conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
- High blood pressure (hypertension) and heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing issues
- High cholesterol and fatty liver disease
- Joint pain and osteoarthritis
Is the gastric sleeve safe?
Gastric sleeve surgery is considered safe and effective, with a lower complication rate than other common surgeries such as gallbladder removal or hip replacement. Performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique, this procedure results in smaller incisions, less pain, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Procedure Details
Who is eligible for gastric sleeve surgery?
To qualify for gastric sleeve surgery, most patients must meet certain medical criteria, including:
- A BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more obesity-related health conditions
- A history of unsuccessful weight loss attempts through supervised diet and exercise programs
- Completion of a pre-surgical evaluation that includes medical, nutritional, and psychological assessments
Many insurance providers require patients to participate in a medically supervised weight loss program for at least three to six months before approving coverage for the procedure.
What happens before gastric sleeve surgery?
In preparation for the surgery, patients are placed on a two-week liquid diet to help reduce the size of the liver, making the procedure safer. Additionally, patients must avoid food and drinks for 12 hours before surgery to prevent complications during the operation.
How is gastric sleeve surgery performed?
This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, using small incisions to minimize scarring and recovery time. The surgery involves the following steps:
- General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and asleep.
- Small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow for the insertion of surgical instruments.
- A laparoscope (small camera) is used to guide the procedure.
- A large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
- The remaining portion is stapled shut, and the incisions are closed.
The entire procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes, and most patients stay in the hospital for one to two daysfor observation and pain management
What can patients expect after surgery?
Following surgery, patients will be closely monitored and must adhere to a strict post-operative diet plan to ensure proper healing. The transition from liquid-only diets to soft foods and, eventually, solid foods typically occurs over several weeks.
Risks / Benefits
What are the advantages of gastric sleeve surgery?
Compared to other bariatric procedures, sleeve gastrectomy offers several benefits:
- Shorter procedure time – Faster than gastric bypass surgery
- Reduced risk of long-term complications – No rerouting of the intestines
- Significant weight loss – Most patients lose between 25–30% of their total body weight within the first two years
- Improved metabolic health – Helps regulate blood sugar and hunger hormones
What are the possible risks or complications?
While gastric sleeve surgery is generally safe, all surgeries carry some risk. Potential complications include:
- Bleeding, infection, or leakage from the staple line
- Scar tissue formation, which may narrow the stomach and cause difficulty with digestion
- Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux), which may require medication
- Nutritional deficiencies, requiring lifelong vitamin supplementation
- Gallstones, which may develop due to rapid weight loss and could require gallbladder removal
Although complications are rare, with less than a 1% occurrence rate, proper medical follow-up can help prevent and manage these risks.
Recovery and Outlook
How long is recovery after gastric sleeve surgery?
Most patients experience a four to six-week recovery period before resuming normal activities. While some discomfort and fatigue are common, most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks and full work capacity within four to six weeks.
How much weight can be lost with gastric sleeve surgery?
Weight loss occurs gradually over 12 to 18 months, with most patients losing between 25% to 30% of their total body weight within one to two years.
For example, a person weighing 300 pounds before surgery can expect to lose approximately 75 to 100 pounds within this timeframe. Long-term success depends on adhering to post-surgery dietary guidelines and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What happens if weight loss is not maintained?
Some patients may regain weight if they:
- Do not follow recommended dietary guidelines
- Experience stomach stretching over time
- Return to previous eating habits
If weight regain occurs, revision surgery or additional dietary and lifestyle modifications may be necessary. Options such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch can be considered for patients needing additional weight loss support.
Final Thoughts on Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is a safe, effective, and life-changing procedure for individuals struggling with severe obesity. By significantly reducing stomach size and regulating appetite hormones, this surgery helps patients achieve long-term weight loss while improving overall health.
At BodEvolve, our team of experienced bariatric surgeons provides personalized treatment plans and comprehensive post-operative support to ensure lasting success.
For those ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more active lifestyle, scheduling a consultation is the first step.
Call (214) 831-6182 or request an appointment online.