Gastric Sleeve

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) is an operation which removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving it in the shape of a sleeve (or banana). Originally done as a staging procedure for more complex surgery, it has proven to be very effective and safe as a stand-alone operation. By reducing the size of the stomach, it restricts the amount of food a patient can eat.  The portion of the stomach which is removed produces a hormone called Grehlin that increases appetite.  By removing this portion, appetite is further reduced.  In addition to this, the food passes more slowly through this smaller stomach than through the full-size stomach. This combination of restriction, appetite reduction and slower motility fosters significant weight loss.

Advantages

• Less complicated than Gastric Bypass
• No malabsorption
• No need for adjustments
• No implanted device
• No Dumping Syndrome
• Faster weight loss than Lap Band

Disadvantages

• More complicated than Lap Band
• Not reversible
• Risk of staple line leak
• Small risk of death