Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (Sleeve) Surgery

Control Your Appetite

This procedure also restricts food intake.  This procedure is gaining popularity among patients. Between 70-80% of the stomach is removed. The stomach takes the shape of a tube or “sleeve”, it is similar in size and shape of a banana. The portion of the stomach is removed by stapling (as shown in the diagram). This portion removed is the key area that produces the “hunger hormone”, Ghrelin. Removing this aides in greater control of appetite, and therefore increased satisfaction with a small portion of food.  Absorption is not changed with this procedure therefore most of the normal gastric juices and enzymes mix to digest and absorb foods.

What to Expect with Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (Sleeve) Surgery

North Texas Medical Center patients may experience:

• A hospital stay of 1-2 nights
• Recovery of 1-3 weeks
• Surgery is Laparoscopic
• Three weeks on a liquid diet
• 8% weight loss per month
• The complication rate is 0.3%
• Follow-up with a doctor once every three months
• No risk for dumping syndrome
• No fills
• No risks associated with a foreign body

Weight Loss After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (Sleeve)

May lose weight faster than Lap-Band patients, but a bit slower than bypass patients. 60% of weight loss can be seen in the first year. Similarly, the weight loss slows after 18 months, yet still continues.