In this procedure 80% of the stomach is removed, limiting the amount of food that can be taken and powerfully suppressing hunger.

Pros of gastric sleeve surgery

• Removes the part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone (ghrelin)
• By avoiding intestinal bypass, there is less chance of intestinal blockage or vitamin deficiency
• Good “first stage” procedure for very big patients (>160kg or MBI >55kg/m2)

Cons of gastric sleeve surgery

• Potential for inadequate weight loss because no intestinal bypass is done
• Bigger patients may need to have a second stage procedure later
• Soft calories from food like ice cream can be absorbed and may slow weight loss
• Staple line leaks can occur
• Not reversible, but can be converted to a gastric bypass if necessary

Click here for a patient information booklet about the laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedure.

• Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Procedure (PDF, 182.8 KB)
  

  Patient information