Sleeve Gastrectomy

The sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is a restrictive procedure that limits the amount of food you eat by reducing the size of your stomach. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, a sleeve gastrectomy does not involve any surgery on the intestine. At the St. Francis Surgical Weight Loss Center — located in Greenville, SC and convenient to Spartanburg, Anderson, and areas throughout the Upstate, SC region — the gastric sleeve surgery is typically performed using the minimally-invasive laparoscopic technique. However, if necessary, the procedure can be performed open.

Gastric Sleeve Overview

During the gastric sleeve procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device. This sleeve typically holds between 50-100 ml, about the size of a banana. After the separation of the stomach into a smaller tube, the remainder of the stomach is removed. The valve at the outlet of the stomach remains, allowing the normal process of stomach emptying to continue, which allows for a quicker feeling of fullness when eating. In the gastric sleeve procedure, there are no new connections made between the stomach and small intestine.

Because sleeve gastrectomy involves the removal of a portion of the stomach, the procedure is permanent. Your bariatric surgeon will help determine if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you.

Attend a Free Seminar in Greenville, SC

Visit St. Francis to attend a free orientation seminar and learn more about gastric sleeve surgery, including whether you may be a candidate for the sleeve gastrectomy procedure. Our center is located in Greenville, SC and is convenient to Spartanburg, Anderson, and areas throughout the Upstate.