Jacksonville Weight Loss Center

8825 Perimeter Park Blvd. Suite 101
Jacksonville, FL 32216

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Bariatric Center of Excellence

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Jacksonville, Florida

Sleeve GastrectomyThe sleeve gastrectomy procedure is often referred to as the Gastric Sleeve or the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Like gastric band procedures such as LAP-BAND and REALIZE band, sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive weight loss surgery that reduces the capacity of the stomach and feelings of hunger. Unlike gastric band surgery, sleeve gastrectomy is achieved by removing a portion of the stomach so it is not reversible.

The sleeve gastrectomy has a long history as a two stage bariatric procedure for patients with very high body mass index. In these cases, the gastric sleeve is performed first followed several months later by a duodenal switch or gastric bypass procedure.  

More recently, sleeve gastrectomy has been used as a single surgery for patients as an alternative to other weight loss surgeries.

During the sleeve gastrectomy weight loss surgery, the stomach is divided length-ways with a line of sutures to form a long narrow tube similar in shape to a banana. The outer portion of the stomach (about 60% to 80% of the stomach) is then separated and removed leaving the small stomach tube or sleeve.

The portion of the stomach that remains is relatively inelastic so it restricts the amount of food that can be eaten at one time.  Additionally, the removed part of the stomach is responsible for secreting the hormone ghrelin which stimulates hunger.   Without this hunger hormone, appetite is easier to control.

Sleeve gastrectomy is offered as an alternative surgery for people who do not wish to have a medical device implanted in their body such as occurs with the gastric band; yet do not wish to have one of the more invasive weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass.  The sleeve gastrectomy is also an option for patients with medical conditions such Crohn's disease, which makes them a poor candidate for other types of bariatric surgery.