Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight-loss surgical procedure designed to help individuals with obesity achieve significant and sustained weight reduction. The procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, tube-shaped “sleeve.” This smaller stomach limits the amount of food a person can eat and also reduces hunger by affecting hormones that regulate appetite.
The surgery is typically performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which involve small incisions and generally allow for faster recovery compared to open surgery. By decreasing stomach size and altering hunger-related hormones, patients often feel full more quickly and experience reduced cravings, making it easier to adopt healthier eating habits.
Recovery usually takes a few weeks, during which patients follow a carefully structured diet that gradually progresses from liquids to solid foods. Gastric sleeve surgery can lead to substantial weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. However, long-term success depends on maintaining lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity.