*Results may vary by individuals.
Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve surgery, as it known, is a procedure that permanently removes part of the stomach, reducing its size by about 70%. This is usually performed Laparoscopically (Keyhole) with a 2-3 day hospital admissions
During sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve surgery the stomach is made smaller, the way that it functions remains unaltered, unlike with the gastric bypass, so side effects are reduced. Because only a small meal can be eaten weight will be lost, especially if a low fat, low sugar diet is complied with. The reduced stomach size following a sleeve gastrectomy helps to keep a feeling of fullness for longer.
Gastric sleeve – sleeve gastrectomy surgery is not reversible.
How does a gastric sleeve work?
The gastric sleeve procedure is normally done as keyhole surgery and involves a vertical removal of up to 75% of the stomach area. This means that the stomach continues to function as normal, but is simply smaller, which reduces the appetite and makes it easier to cut down dramatically on calorie intake. In addition, the portion of the stomach that is removed is the area responsible for secreting the hormone “Ghrelin”, which is responsible for appetite and hunger – the near elimination of this “hunger hormone” results in a significant reduction or loss of appetite.
Patients can expect 50-70% excess weight loss in the first year and this is increased if they also follow sensible dietary advice from our dietitians (i.e. low fat, low sugar, low alcohol, high fruit/veg…). The sleeve is a tool to help the patient manage their food intake and appetite.
