Sleeve Gastrectomy (restrictive)

The sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure where a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is about the size of a banana. This procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. It allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.

The majority of weight loss sleeve gastrectomies performed today use a laparoscopic techniques which is considered minimally invasive. Laparoscopic surgery usually results in a shorter hospital stay, fast recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures.

The length of time of the surgery varies. The average operative time is around 2 hours with the average hospital stay being 2-5 days. Patients usually return to normal activities in 2 weeks and are fully recovered in 3 weeks.

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, potential risks and complications can occur with sleeve gastrectomy. We're committed to providing you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision about your surgery. Although these problems rarely occur, we want you to know the facts.

One or all of the following conditions and bariatric surgery complications are possible following all types of weight loss surgery procedures, as well as all types of bariatric procedures.

Potentially serious complications 

• Perforation of stomach/intestine or leakage, causing peritonitis or abscess
• Internal bleeding requiring transfusion
• Severe wound infection, opening of the wound, incisional hernia
• Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), acid reflux (heartburn)

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery should not be considered until you and your doctor have evaluated all other options

How Do I Qualify for Sleeve Gastrectomy?

• You are at least 18 years old
• You are 100 pounds overweight
• Your body mass index (BMI) is 35 or higher and you have a health problem related to your weight.
• Or your BMI is 40 or higher
• You have tried to lose weight but have had only short-term success
• You do not have a disease that may have caused you to be overweight
• You are prepared to set a lifetime goal to make drastic, challenging, permanent changes to your eating habits and lifestyle
• You are willing and able to return to your doctor for follow-up visits and band adjustments
• You understand the information in the literature provided to you and the information shared by your surgeon

UpToDate patient health information