Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve Gastrectomy (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most commonly performed weight loss surgeries in the U.S. It’s a powerful tool for weight loss and improving obesity-related health conditions — but like any surgery, it comes with risks and requires lifelong commitment.

• During surgery, about 75–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow "sleeve" or tube-shaped stomach – this is not reversible.
• The smaller stomach size helps reduce portion sizes and hunger, while improving how your body processes blood sugar and hormones related to appetite.
• The surgery is performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive), with a shorter recovery time for most patients.
• Patients typically lose 50–70% of their excess weight within the first 12–18 months.
• Excess weight refers to the amount of weight above your ideal body weight. For example, if you're 100 pounds above your ideal weight, you can expect to lose about 50–70 pounds with a sleeve.
• Sleeve gastrectomy can lead to remission or improvement of conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
• Reflux (heartburn or GERD) is a known risk after sleeve gastrectomy and can worsen over time. If reflux becomes severe or unmanageable, some patients may need to convert to gastric bypass.
• Weight regain can occur, especially without long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Conversion to bypass may be considered in these cases.
• Sleeve also requires lifelong commitment to vitamin and mineral supplementation, including iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B12.
• Success depends on lifelong follow-up, a healthy bariatric diet, regular physical activity, and mental health support.