Bethesda Hospital East  Sleeve Gastrectomy   Sleeve gastrectomy
is a surgical weight-loss procedure in which the left side of
the stomach is removed reducing it to about 35% of its original
size. The open edges are then attached together to form a sleeve
or tube with a banana shape. The procedure permanently reduces
the size of the stomach. The procedure is performed
laparoscopically and is not reversible. Weight loss is generated
solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The
stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and
measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon
performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the
outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving
the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the
volume. There is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only
stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids
potentially costly, long-term complications such as marginal
ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and i