Gastric Sleeve

The gastric sleeve is a surgical weight loss procedure which works by reducing your stomach size.The sleeve increases the feeling of fullness quicker and therefore the amount of food which can be consumed is reduced, which will result in weight loss similarly to a gastric band but without the need for adjustment.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy used to be used as stage 1 of a 2 stage procedure for the super super obese (BMI >60) however it can also be used as a stand alone procedure.

Who would be suitable for a Sleeve Gastrectomy?


The Sleeve Gastrectomy is another Weight Loss Surgery procedure to be considered alongside the Gastric Band and the Gastric Bypass. 

The Sleeve Gastrectomy is sometimes deemed more suitable for some patients for the following reasons:

• Patient preference over the gastric band or the gastric bypass

• Inability to attend regular band adjustment appointments

• Less requirement for supplements following surgery

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Previous Small Bowel surgery

• Previous multiple abdominal surgery

Who is not suitable for a Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sweet eaters/chocolate eaters as with a gastric bypass procedure.

What are the benefits of the Sleeve Gastrectomy?

The Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is another laparoscopic weight loss surgery procedure used to reduce the amount of food required to feel full which induces weight loss. ¾ of the stomach is removed leaving the remainder in the form of a tube (a sleeve) with a greatly reduced capacity (approximately 100–200mls), BUT with 100% function.

It is unlike any other procedure as food enters the new stomach pouch/tube and then follows the same route, as it would normally do unlike with the gastric bypass procedure where some of the digestive tract is bypassed. Hence there are no absorption issues with a Sleeve Gastrectomy. The aim is to use the Sleeve Gastrectomy to increase satiety and therefore reduce food consumption, which will result in weight loss working similarly to a gastric band but without the need for adjustment or the concern for its position and status.

Recent studies suggest that another reason that this procedure is so successful is that it gets rid of the appetite inducing hormone; Grehlin which is produced in the part of the stomach that is removed and therefore post operatively the patient should feel more satiated; even than with an effective gastric band.

• Keyhole surgery

• Permanent

• Reduces ‘Grehlin’ production & hence hunger/appetite

• Long term risks/complications minimal

• No adjustment required

• No blood tests required

• Absorption intact

• Same expected weight loss as with a bypass

• Shorter operating time than a bypass