Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Right For You?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most common weight loss surgery options for people who want to lose a significant amount of weight — often 100 pounds or more.

Many people assume this procedure works because it shrinks the stomach. While stomach size does change, that is only part of the story. Gastric sleeve surgery also affects hunger. After surgery, many patients feel less hungry and think less about food. 

Key Takeaways: Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most popular bariatric surgeries in the U.S.
• Research shows that most people lose about 60–70 percent of their excess weight within one year of surgery.
• People who have gastric sleeve surgery also see improvements in obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.

What Is A Sleeve Gastrectomy?

A sleeve gastrectomy, also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy, removes about 80 percent of the stomach. The remaining portion forms a narrow tube, similar in size and shape to a banana.

A smaller stomach helps you feel full faster and eat less. The procedure reduces your body’s production of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone.” With less ghrelin in your system, you won’t feel as hungry.

With sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon does not reroute the intestines. This makes it a simpler operation than gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) surgery and other bariatric surgeries, such as gastric banding and the duodenal switch. Recovery time is shorter, and you can return to your usual activities sooner after gastric sleeve surgery.

Who Is A Candidate For Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Most gastric sleeve surgery candidates have:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. Calculate your BMI here.
• Or a BMI of 35 or higher with serious health conditions, such as diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease

Many people opt for gastric sleeve surgery after years of failed weight-loss attempts. They are tired of how their size and related health concerns interfere with their daily lives. But they can’t lose the weight with diet and exercise alone.

That was the case for Steve Johnson.

In retirement, Steve had hoped to work in the vehicle transport industry and drive high-end cars, like Lamborghinis and Ferraris, cross-country. At 395 pounds, though, he couldn’t fit into the cars or the enclosed trailers used to transport them.

Steve used to meet his friends out to dance, but he stopped after a knee replacement because he worried he would damage his knee.

Steve chose a sleeve gastrectomy. Eleven months later, he had lost 163 pounds.

“When we were out the other night, I started doing things on the dance floor I hadn’t done in 10 years,” he explained. “My friend said, ‘You can move again!’”

If your weight affects your daily life or health and other methods have not worked, you may want to consider gastric sleeve surgery. A conversation with your care team can help you decide if it is the right next step.

A Bariatric Surgery Comparison

Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries are the most common bariatric surgeries in the U.S. Let’s take a look at how they compare.

Gastric sleeve surgery:

• Makes your stomach smaller
• Reduces the production of ghrelin, a hormone that controls appetite
• Does not change how your body absorbs calories, nutrients or medicines
• Uses a simpler surgical approach, which results in a shorter recovery time

Gastric bypass:

• Makes your stomach smaller
• Reduces the production of ghrelin
• Changes how your body absorbs calories, nutrients and medicines
• May lead to greater weight loss for some patients

The Benefits And Risks Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery can lead to significant and lasting weight loss. Most people lose about 60–70 percent of their excess weight within the first year.

Many patients begin to see results quickly and reach their lowest weight within one to two years after surgery. In addition to weight loss, the procedure can improve or even resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol.

For some patients with severe obesity, gastric sleeve surgery can serve as a first step. It can help reduce weight enough to make a second procedure or another surgery safer in the future.

As with any surgery, there are risks. These include:

• Bleeding or infection
• Leakage from the stomach
• Stretching of the stomach over time
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Vitamin deficiencies

Your care team will review these risks with you before surgery.

What To Expect During And After Gastric Sleeve

With gastric sleeve surgery, your surgeon will remove part of your stomach with minimally invasive tools. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to three days after gastric sleeve surgery.

During your stay, your care team will help manage pain and nausea. They’ll want you to walk around within a few hours. While not exactly enjoyable at first, movement helps reduce discomfort and promotes recovery.

After discharge, you will follow detailed instructions about activity, wound care and daily routines. You will also attend follow-up visits with your physician, counselor and dietitian, who will help track your progress and address concerns early.

Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Recovery And Diet

Surgery is not a quick fix — it’s a tool that can help with weight loss. Your daily habits will play a big role in your long-term results.

After surgery, your diet will move through several stages. You’ll start with clear liquids, then full liquids, followed by soft foods and eventually solid foods. This gradual process gives your body time to heal and adjust.

Over time, your meals will look very different than before surgery. Most will be small and centered around protein, such as eggs, yogurt or lean meat. You will need to eat slowly, take small bites and stop when you feel full. If you eat too quickly or too much, you’ll have discomfort.

Your care team will be ready to help you stay on track. They’ll recommend that you:

• Take vitamins and supplements every day
• Prioritize protein at each meal
• Drink fluids between meals, not during meals
• Follow portion guidelines
• Stay physically active

These changes may feel like a big adjustment at first, but many patients find they become part of a new routine over time.

Take The Next Step

Franciscan Health offers bariatric surgery services in Dyer, Indianapolis and Michigan City, Ind. View our locations.

Want to learn more? Explore bariatric services at Franciscan Health or request an appointment today to get started.