Gastric Sleeve

The sleeve gastrectomy is the newest option available to people seeking weight loss surgical options. It can be thought of as an operation midway between the risks and results of gastric bypass surgery and adjustable gastric banding.

During a sleeve gastrectomy the surgeon reduces the size of the stomach by nearly 90%. This is done laparoscopically, using sophisticated surgical stapling devices.  The stomach's normal shape is similar to a half moon.  During the procedure the large (greater) curve of the stomach is removed, leaving only a crescent moon of stomach behind. In this operation there is no manipulation of the small bowel and no implanting of a foreign body. 

It is not well understood exactly how the gastric sleeve operation helps patients to lose weight. Certainly, there is an element of stomach volume reduction that should allow patients to feel full faster and with less intake at meal time. There is strong research evidence that also indicates a disruption of one hunger hormone known as Ghrelin.  This potent chemical is housed in the greater curve of the stomach, and close to meal time is released by the stomach to activate various parts of the brain and gastrointestinal tract to begin preparing for delivery of a meal. Removing the greater curve of the stomach takes away one of the main sources of Ghrelin and thus reduces the hunger experience.