What is a Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The Sleeve Gastrectomy (also called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) is the most commonly-performed bariatric operation worldwide and here at Sage Bariatric Institute as well.  It is designed to help patients who suffer from obesity to lose weight in an effective and sustainable way. Our surgeons have performed thousands of these surgeries and have mastered this life-changing procedure.

How does it work?

A Sleeve Gastrectomy is done laparoscopically (minimally invasive) under general anesthesia. We remove 70-80% of the stomach to reduce how much one can eat at a time.  This resection also eliminates the source of key hunger hormones such as ghrelin. This hormone rebalancing helps sustain hunger so patients don’t feel as hungry as they did before.  This allows them to follow the bariatric dietary and behavioral guidelines that are an important part of their success.

Do I have to spend the night in the hospital? When can I return to work?

Selected patients with early stage obesity disease may have their Sleeve operation at an ambulatory surgery center which is located right in our building.  Due to the experience and expertise of our surgeons and facilities, many patients feel well enough to go home the day of surgery! The vast majority of patients are back at work 2 weeks from surgery.

How much weight can I lose with a Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Results vary from patient to patient, but on average patients lose from 60-200 pounds with a Sleeve, and they experience major improvements in medical conditions like High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Sleep Apnea, and Diabetes as well.  Our patients rejoice over more energy, ease of movement, being able to ride a roller coaster, not needing a seatbelt extender in airplanes, being able to tie their shoes, and trying new activities they never thought they could do.