Sleeve Gastrectomy

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Following surgery, you must eat smaller amounts of food. You’ll also feel less hungry because surgeons remove part of the stomach that produces ghrelin – the hormone that stimulates appetite.

You can expect to lose 50-70 percent of excess weight over a one- to two-year period after sleeve gastrectomy.

Is Sleeve Gastrectomy Right for You?

• Anemia, Crohn’s disease and other conditions that make you too high risk for gastric bypass or banding
• BMI between 35–45 – will be performed as one procedure
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 70 – will be performed as part of a two-step procedure
• Family history of gastric cancer or need frequent endoscopy
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Previous small bowel surgery

Bariatric surgeons at Hackensack Meridian Health are highly experienced in sleeve gastrectomy. We can help you decide if this approach is right for you.

Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Normal absorption of most medications and nutrients
• Stomach functions normally
• No dumping syndrome – symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness or diarrhea – when eating too much sugar or large amounts of food
• Reduced risk of ulcers, intestinal blockage, anemia, osteoporosis
• Option for a minimally invasive approach if you weigh more than 500 pounds

Potential Disadvantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy 

• Soft foods that are high in calories – such as ice cream and milkshakes – can be absorbed and may slow weight loss
• Chance of leak (also a risk with other stomach-stapling weight loss surgeries)
• Not reversible