Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is the most common weight loss procedure worldwide.
The procedure involves significantly reducing the size of the stomach by removing a large portion of its side. It is performed under general anesthesia using advanced laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques. It is essential that the surgery is carried out by highly experienced surgeons to ensure a uniform final shape of the stomach; otherwise, complications such as difficulty swallowing and gastric reflux may occur.
Information About Gastric Sleeve
Although the stomach size is reduced, the procedure does not change the path of food through the stomach or intestines, nor does it reduce the digestive process itself.
This means that all nutrients—including vitamins, minerals, and proteins—continue to be absorbed normally by the body. The procedure simply reduces the stomach’s capacity from about 1.5 liters of food and liquids to approximately 200 ml.
This allows the patient to feel full and satisfied with a much smaller meal, roughly equivalent to a cup of food.
Typically, patients can eat 4–6 small meals per day, which is considered an ideal eating pattern. Nutrition and obesity specialists recommend frequent small meals to avoid large fluctuations in insulin levels and to support a healthy eating lifestyle.
Despite its smaller size, the stomach continues to function normally—food and nutrients pass through as usual, and stomach acids continue to be produced to aid digestion.
How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Treats Obesity
Gastric sleeve surgery works through three main mechanisms:
- Reduced Stomach Capacity
The significant reduction in stomach size helps patients feel full and satisfied after much smaller meals, allowing better portion control. - Reduction in Hunger Hormone
Levels of the hunger hormone (ghrelin) decrease significantly, as the removed part of the stomach contains many of the cells responsible for producing this hormone. As a result, patients feel less hungry. - Changes in Food Preferences
The procedure alters how the digestive system responds to fatty and sugary foods. Many patients report losing their desire for high-fat and high-sugar foods such as chocolate, fried foods, and soft drinks. These foods may also cause discomfort, bloating, or instability, encouraging patients to adopt healthier eating habits.