Sleeve gastrectomy is the newest weight loss surgery procedure. It involves laparoscopically or minimally invasively removing approximately 75% of the stomach. The remaining stomach takes the shape of a tube or "sleeve."  Weight loss occurs because the smaller stomach limits the amount of food that is required to feel full.

By removing a large portion of the stomach, hormones produced within the stomach which stimulate hunger are eliminated. The stomach continues to function normally after the procedure.

Advantages

• Rapid weight loss
• No implanted medical device
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies
• Does not require re-routing of intestines
• Does not require frequent follow-up appointments for adjustments like the gastric band
• Resolution of co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea can match gastric bypass and band
• Available to patients that cannot have a gastric bypass or band

  Disadvantages

• Risk of a leak along the staple line or “seam”
• The narrow pouch can kink, fold, or become blocked in some other way
• Over the years, the narrow, tubular stomach may expand increasing the patient’s food capacity
• Because this is a new procedure, the long term outcome of weight loss will not be known for several years