Bariatric Surgery Program

Programs and Services

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
(Gastric sleeve)

With laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve), there is no interference with the normal absorption of food. The operation works by reducing food intake and the feeling of hunger. The result is an early sense of fullness, followed by a sense of being satisfied. Even though the portion size is small, there is no sense of hunger or feeling of being deprived. Patients continue to enjoy eating, but they enjoy eating a lot less.

During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small, sleeve-shaped stomach which is 15 percent of its original size. It is slightly larger than the stomach pouch created during the Roux en Y gastric bypass – and is about the size of a banana. Having the smaller stomach portion causes you to feel full sooner and to eat less food.

The gastric sleeve procedure can be done using a laparoscopic or open approach. The laparoscopic procedure is completed using a telescope with instruments placed through five or six small (1/4-1/2 inch) abdominal incisions. The open procedure involves an incision extending from below the breastbone to the belly button. Your surgeon may decide the open approach is safer for you and will discuss this with you; however, most patients can have the laparoscopic approach.

Date: Nov. 29, 2011

Online Editor(s): Richard Petre