GastricSleeveSleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive surgical weight-loss procedure that limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. In this procedure, a thin, vertical sleeve of stomach is created and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is about the width of a garden hose.

Surgery and Recovery

  • Surgery takes about one hour
  • One- to two-day hospital stay
  • Two- to four-week recovery period

Benefits

  • Quick weight loss -- patients can lose about 60 to 80 percent of their expected weight lost within 24 months after surgery
  • Does not create malabsorption (the inability to absorb certain sugars, fats, proteins or vitamins from food)

Risks

  • Suture-line leakage may occur
  • Sleeve stricture may occur
  • Sleeve gastrectomy surgery may cause bleeding
  • Nausea and heartburn may occur
  • Sleeve gastrectomy may cause vitamin B12 deficiency

Other Considerations

  • Not reversible
  • No “dumping” syndrome (where large amounts of sugar would cause diarrhea and sweating)
  • Vitamins recommended (B12)
  • No medication restrictions
  • Liquid diet for one month
Bariatric Providers

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