The sleeve gastrectomy is usually the first of a two phase restrictive bariatric surgery, the second of which is usually gastric bypass. During this procedure, we create a small, sleeve-shaped stomach. It is larger than the stomach pouch created during Roux-en-Y bypass—and is about the size of a banana.
Sleeve gastrectomy is typically considered as a treatment option for bariatric surgery patients with a very high BMI – 60 or higher.
The sleeve gastrectomy, like most successful bariatric surgery procedures will reduce or resolve many co-morbidities including hypertension, type-2 diabetes, sleep apnea, depression and others. Co-mobidity resolution rates are similar to those of gastric banding.