What is the gastric sleeve, in plain language

The gastric sleeve — formally vertical sleeve gastrectomy — is the most common weight-loss surgery in the United States. The procedure removes about 75% of the stomach, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped tube. Patients eat smaller portions, feel full sooner, and produce far less of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

How it actually works

Surgery takes roughly an hour and is done laparoscopically (or robotically) through five small incisions. Most patients go home the next day and return to a desk job within a week. Importantly, nothing is rerouted — the intestines remain untouched — which is why the sleeve has a lower rate of long-term nutritional complications than gastric bypass.

“The sleeve is powerful because it changes both the mechanics and the hormones of hunger — not just the size of the stomach.”

Who tends to do well with it

• Adults with a BMI of 35+ (or 30+ with weight-related conditions)
• People who have tried structured medical or GLP-1 paths first
• Patients ready to commit to long-term nutrition and follow-up

What recovery looks like

The first two weeks are liquids and protein shakes; weeks three and four bring soft foods; by week five most patients are back to balanced meals — just much smaller ones. We follow up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and annually for life.

Common questions we hear

• Will I be hungry? Most patients describe hunger as quieter and more predictable — not absent.
• Can it be reversed? No. The removed portion of the stomach does not grow back, which is part of why we screen carefully and take time in consultation.
• What about loose skin? Possible after major weight loss. We can discuss BodyTite or surgical options once weight stabilizes.