Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Lose Weight. Improve Your Health. Live a Healthier Life.
If you've struggled with obesity despite dieting, exercise, or weight-loss medications, you're not alone. For many people, gastric sleeve surgery provides an effective treatment that can lead to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related medical conditions.
This page explains what gastric sleeve surgery is, how it works, who may qualify, what recovery is like, and what you can expect before and after surgery.
What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is currently the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. During surgery, approximately 75–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. Unlike gastric bypass, food continues to pass through the digestive tract normally because the intestines are not bypassed.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work?
Many patients think gastric sleeve surgery simply makes the stomach smaller. While that is part of the procedure, it works in several ways:
You feel full sooner
The smaller stomach limits how much food can be eaten comfortably at one time.
Hunger often decreases
The portion of the stomach that produces much of the hunger hormone (ghrelin) is removed. Many patients notice less hunger and fewer food cravings, particularly during the first year.
It supports long-term lifestyle changes
Eating smaller portions becomes easier, making it more manageable to develop healthier eating habits over time.
Bariatric surgery is a tool—not a cure. Long-term success depends on healthy eating, physical activity, regular follow-up, and lifelong commitment.
Is Gastric Sleeve Right for Me?
- Have a BMI of 40 or greater
- Have a BMI of 35 or greater with obesity-related medical conditions
- Have not achieved lasting weight loss with diet, exercise, or medications
- Are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Many patients experience improvements in:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Fatty liver disease
- Joint pain
- Mobility
- Energy level
- Overall quality of life
What Is the Bariatric Surgery Process?
Before Surgery
- Medical consultation
- Nutrition counseling
- Laboratory testing
- Psychological evaluation
- Endoscopy
- Medical clearance
- Insurance approval
Day of Surgery
Most gastric sleeve procedures are performed laparoscopically or robotically through several small incisions. The operation usually takes about one to two hours.
Recovery
- Walk the same day
- Stay one night in the hospital
- Return to desk work within 2–4 weeks
- Gradually resume normal activities
Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Healthy eating
- Regular physical activity
- Lifelong vitamin supplementation
- Routine follow-up visits
- Regular blood work
Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass
| Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Smaller stomach | Smaller stomach and intestinal bypass |
| Intestines | No intestinal rerouting | Intestinal rerouting |
| Complexity | Simpler anatomy | More metabolic effect |
| Reflux | May worsen reflux | Often improves reflux |
| Weight loss | Excellent long-term weight loss | Excellent long-term weight loss |
The most appropriate procedure depends on your medical history, reflux symptoms, diabetes, weight-loss goals, and overall health. Learn about gastric bypass →
Possible Risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Staple-line leak
- Narrowing of the sleeve
- Acid reflux
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Weight regain
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can I lose?
Will I still feel hungry?
Will I need vitamins?
Can I regain weight?
Can gastric sleeve make acid reflux worse?
Does insurance cover gastric sleeve surgery?
Why Choose Dr. Bao Nasri?
Choosing bariatric surgery is an important decision. Dr. Bao Nasri believes patients deserve the time to understand their options, ask questions, and make informed decisions without pressure. She combines advanced training in bariatric, minimally invasive, and robotic surgery with a personalized approach focused on long-term health through education, follow-up, and individualized treatment plans.
Related topics & common questions
Weight Regain After Gastric Sleeve
Most patients lose a significant amount of weight after sleeve gastrectomy, but some experience weight regain months or years later. This does not necessarily mean your surgery has failed. The first step is understanding why weight regain has occurred.
Common Causes
- Larger portion sizes over time
- Frequent snacking or grazing
- High-calorie beverages
- Reduced physical activity
- Emotional eating
- Hormonal and metabolic changes
- Enlargement of the gastric sleeve
Treatment Options
- Nutrition counseling
- Exercise and lifestyle changes
- Weight-loss medications
- Endoscopic therapies in selected patients
- Revision bariatric surgery
Acid Reflux After Gastric Sleeve
Some patients develop new or worsening acid reflux (GERD) after surgery. Persistent reflux should be evaluated rather than simply treated with long-term medication.
Treatment Options
- Dietary and lifestyle changes
- Acid-reducing medications
- Hiatal hernia repair
- Conversion to gastric bypass for selected patients with severe reflux
Can My Gastric Sleeve Stretch?
The stomach naturally becomes more flexible as it heals. Other factors such as eating habits, metabolism, and physical activity often play a larger role than anatomical change alone.
Treatment
- Nutrition counseling
- Behavioral modifications
- Weight-loss medications
- Endoscopic treatment in selected patients
- Revision bariatric surgery
Why Am I Not Losing Weight After Gastric Sleeve?
Weight loss is not always steady after sleeve gastrectomy. A plateau does not necessarily mean the surgery has stopped working.
How Can I Get Back on Track?
- Prioritizing protein at every meal
- Drinking at least 64 ounces of fluid daily
- Tracking food intake
- Increasing physical activity
- Following up with your bariatric team
Patient Resources
How Much Weight Will I Lose After Surgery?
