Sleeve Gastrectomy Specialist

A Sleeve Gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery that reduces the overall capacity of the stomach. Douglas Krahn, MD, FACS at Western Bariatric, AMC offers people from San Bernardino, Riverside, and surrounding areas of South California effective weight loss surgeries like Sleeve Gastrectomy.

What is a Sleeve Gastrectomy?

A sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach. During the surgery, a thin vertical sleeve is fashioned with a stapling device. The excised part of the stomach is then removed, leaving a much smaller stomach and a much-reduced capacity to hold food.

How Much Food Does the Sleeve in a Sleeve Gastrectomy Hold?

The sleeve used in a sleeve gastrectomy normally holds between 50 to 150 mL. It is around the size of a medium banana. This sleeve makes for a much smaller stomach capacity, especially when considering how much the stomach is stretched in an obese patient.

What are the Advantages of Having a Sleeve Gastrectomy?

A sleeve gastrectomy does not prevent the body from absorbing vitamins and nutrients, something which may occur in other types of weight loss surgery. With lap band surgery, post-operative adjustments are needed, but with the sleeve gastrectomy, these adjustments are not required. According to clinical studies, people who opt for a sleeve gastrectomy lose up to 65 percent of their excess weight on average. Some people also enjoy benefits other than weight loss from a sleeve gastrectomy. People who had high blood pressure before the sleeve gastrectomy may achieve normal blood pressure afterward. Patients who have type 2 diabetes may be able to greatly reduce the symptoms of the disease.

How Does Sleeve Gastrectomy Compare to Gastric Bypass?

A sleeve gastrectomy is a simpler surgery that tends to have less potential complications. However, a gastric bypass surgery may offer more potential weight loss overall. Patients who want to opt for a surgery with less risks may prefer a sleeve gastrectomy over gastric bypass surgery. People who have more overall weight to lose may be better candidates for a gastric bypass, but it is truly an individual decision.