Gastric sleeve surgery (or vertical sleeve gastrectomy) is the most common weight loss procedure performed in the US, and the most frequent bariatric surgery performed at the New Jersey Bariatric Center®.

Losing Weight with Gastric Sleeve

The gastric sleeve procedure jump starts weight loss by removing a portion of the stomach and narrowing the remaining parts to the size of a banana or a thin vertical “sleeve.” A smaller sized stomach leaves you feeling fuller on much smaller portions of food and allows for normal digestion and absorption of nutrients. The procedure also causes the secretion of fewer hunger hormones – grehlins – resulting in less overall hunger leading to weight loss.

Expected Weight Loss

Results may be more or less based on several factors, such as eating and exercise habits.

Health Improvements/Benefits

The gastric sleeve procedure results in sustained, long-term weight loss and, improves and in some cases resolves obesity-related illnesses such as:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Sleep Apnea

With type 2 diabetes, many patients stop taking their diabetic or high blood pressure medication before they leave the hospital and before weight loss.

With sleep apnea, there is improvement or complete resolution as weight loss results in the opening of air passages.

Gastric Sleeve Procedure

At New Jersey Bariatric Center®, gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically. Small incisions are made in the abdominal wall with instruments called trocars and the procedure is performed using a video camera (laparoscope). 75%-80% of the stomach is removed, reducing the remaining part to a capacity of 3-4 ounces which results in patients feeling fuller, faster with small portions of food. The procedure lasts for approximately 1-2 hours and patients generally stay in the hospital for 1 day.

Do I qualify for Gastric Sleeve surgery?

To qualify for gastric sleeve surgery, a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea should exist. To calculate your BMI, click here.

Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks to weight loss procedures. When deciding whether gastric sleeve surgery is right for you, the potential health benefits must outweigh the potential risks. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), leaks from staple lines, narrowing of a passage (stenosis) are possible. Learn more about specific complications associated with gastric sleeve, visit our Risks page.

Is the Gastric Sleeve Procedure right for me?

To determine whether gastric sleeve surgery is right for you, read more about what to expect after surgery and dietary and lifestyle changes here.