The gastric sleeve, or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss surgery procedure that removes 80% of the stomach through tiny incisions in a short 1.5-hour operation. Hence the name gastric sleeve or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is cut and stapled along the greater curvature to leave a banana-shaped sleeve stomach.
Compared to other weight loss surgery options, the gastric sleeve outperforms by capturing an increasing number of all bariatric patients (over 70%). Its benefits are widespread, offering staggering weight reduction over a short period (typically two years). It also resolves comorbidities such as diabetes type 2, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc. Sleeve surgery can be readily revised in the event of weight regain down the road.
How Does Gastric Sleeve Result in Weight Loss?
The stomach region that is surgically removed is known to house a large amount of Ghrelin hormones. These hormones are responsible for feeling hungry and binging sensation that you are used to as your body responds to hunger.
By reducing the stomach size, the individual feels full with significantly smaller portions per sitting. Besides, reduced plasma ghrelin levels prevent the binging sensation you are used to as your body's response to hunger.
As a result of gut hormones changes, the body recovers its sensitivity to Leptin hormones present in the blood. Therefore, your satiety will improve, and small meals can make you stay full for several hours. Gastric sleeve patients can expect their weight loss chart to lose an average of 65% excess weight loss in the first year.
