Gastric Sleeve: What to Know About Stomach Surgery and Weight Loss
Gastric sleeve surgery is a widely used surgical option for people living with severe obesity who have not achieved lasting weight loss through diet, exercise, or medical therapy. The procedure reduces stomach size to help limit food intake and change hunger signals, supporting sustained weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes and medical follow-up. Understanding how it works, who qualifies, and what to expect can help you weigh the benefits and risks.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
What is a gastric sleeve?
A gastric sleeve (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) is a bariatric operation that removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow, tube-shaped stomach. The reduced stomach capacity limits how much food a person can eat at one time and can lower levels of hunger hormones like ghrelin. Unlike gastric bypass, the intestinal tract is not rerouted, which means nutrient absorption remains largely unchanged. The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, which uses small incisions and a camera to reduce recovery time and complications.
How does the procedure change the stomach?
During surgery, surgeons remove roughly 60–80% of the stomach, converting it from a rounded sac into a banana-shaped sleeve. This smaller stomach holds less food and promotes earlier satiety. Beyond volume restriction, the anatomical change alters hormone signaling between the stomach and the brain, helping reduce appetite. Because the intestines are left intact, patients usually face fewer problems with vitamin and mineral malabsorption than with some other bariatric surgeries, though supplementation and monitoring remain important.
Who qualifies—obesity and eligibility?
Eligibility commonly depends on body mass index (BMI) and health conditions related to obesity. Candidates often include people with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35–39.9 with serious obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Evaluation typically includes medical, nutritional, and psychological assessments to confirm readiness and identify any factors that could affect outcomes. Many centers also require documentation of prior attempts at non-surgical weight loss and counseling on long-term lifestyle changes.
How does surgery produce weight loss?
The primary mechanisms are physical restriction and hormonal changes. By decreasing the stomach’s capacity, patients eat smaller portions and feel full sooner. Hormonal shifts after stomach reduction can reduce hunger and alter glucose metabolism, supporting improved blood sugar control for some patients. Lasting weight loss, however, depends on behavior: adopting healthier eating patterns, regular physical activity, and ongoing follow-up with a multidisciplinary team that may include surgeons, dietitians, and mental health professionals.
Risks, recovery, and long-term considerations
As with any surgery, gastric sleeve carries risks such as bleeding, infection, leaks along the staple line, and anesthesia-related complications. Short-term recovery usually involves a hospital stay of one to three days, a graduated diet from liquids to solids over weeks, and activity limitations for several weeks. Long-term considerations include potential weight regain, the need for vitamin supplementation, and monitoring for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may develop or worsen for some individuals. Regular follow-up with local services or specialists in your area for labs and counseling is critical to maintaining outcomes.
Conclusion
Gastric sleeve surgery can be an effective tool for substantial weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions when chosen and managed appropriately. It reduces stomach volume and influences hunger hormones, yet success depends on long-term lifestyle changes and medical follow-up. Careful evaluation of risks, realistic expectations, and ongoing support from healthcare professionals are essential elements of a safe and effective journey.
