Gastric Sleeve
Sleeve Gastrectomy (also known as Gastric Sleeve) is a relatively new approach to weight-loss surgery. Originally, it was the first stage of a far more complicated Gastric Bypass operation, but is now becoming more popular as a stand-alone procedure.
With Gastric Sleeve, around two thirds of the stomach is cut out using a stapling device, and removed laparoscopically, leaving via a small tube. The residual stomach capacity is around 200 mLs. However, in contrast to Laparoscopic Gastric Banding, Sleeve Gastrectomy is irreversible.
Sleeve Gastrectomy is believed to work by two main mechanisms. First by decreasing the stomach size and thus increasing the sensation of fullness, and second by decreasing appetite. Appetite reduction apparently occurs because the level of the so-called "hunger hormone" is reduced.
Sometimes, Gastric Sleeve is offered to patients who are super-obese to jump start weight loss so they can get down to a safe weight before undergoing a more radical Gastric Bypass operation.
Read more about other weight loss options
Non Surgical Treatments for Obesity
