Sleeve gastrectomy
How the surgery works
The surgeon creates a narrow tube, or sleeve, from your stomach and removes approximately 70% of the stomach. The remaining stomach is around 30% of its original size. Food continues to follow the same route through your stomach and intestines as it did before surgery.
Why it reduces hunger
The operation changes hormones in the stomach involved in controlling hunger and fullness. As a result, many people feel less hungry following surgery.
Nutrition after surgery
A sleeve gastrectomy does not bypass your stomach or intestines, so most nutrients from food continue to be absorbed. However, because your stomach is smaller, you may consume less protein, vitamins and minerals. You will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements following surgery.
Two-stage surgery
For some patients, sleeve gastrectomy may be the first stage of a two-stage procedure which later includes gastric bypass surgery. If this applies to you, your surgeon will explain this before your first operation.
The second operation would usually take place around 9–18 months later, after you have lost some weight.
You will not routinely be offered gastric bypass after sleeve gastrectomy simply to achieve further weight loss.
Expected weight loss
Most people lose weight relatively quickly during the first year following sleeve gastrectomy. On average, people lose around 50–60% of their excess body weight, equivalent to approximately 20–30% of their total body weight. Some people may lose more.
Following your diet plan, remaining physically active and making the lifestyle changes recommended by your healthcare team can help you achieve the best possible result.
Advantages
Possible advantages include:
- the amount of food you can eat is reduced
- you are likely to feel full more quickly and stay full for longer
- weight loss begins soon after surgery
- weight loss tends to be relatively rapid
- your intestines are not bypassed, so food continues to be digested and absorbed through the normal route
- it may be suitable for some patients who would be at higher risk from gastric bypass surgery
Disadvantages and possible side effects
These can include:
- you may lose less weight than following gastric bypass
- lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements
- temporary hair thinning during rapid weight loss
- nausea and vomiting, particularly during the first few days after surgery or if you eat too quickly or too much
- acid reflux or worsening heartburn
- the possible need for medication to reduce stomach acid
- further surgery in severe cases of reflux
- permanent removal of most of your stomach