Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

UW Health's Surgical Weight Management surgery team performs sleeve gastrectomy surgery for patients interested in bariatric surgery as way to lose weight safely.

About Sleeve Gastrectomy

• The sleeve gastrectomy procedure may be done through an open approach (large incision) or via the more common laparoscopic approach.
• A large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube-shaped pouch with a capacity of approximately three to four ounces.
• Unlike the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, there is no bypassing of the intestines.
• Most patients typically have a one- to two-night hospital stay.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

• The sleeve is primarily a restrictive procedure, meaning patients lose weight by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at a time, with some change in the ability to absorb calories and nutrients.
• The sleeve may lead to hormonal changes that decrease hunger, and have metabolic effects that may speed the resolution of diabetes.
• The sleeve gastrectomy procedure provides moderate weight loss (four to five pounds per week in the first six to 12 months).