Gastric sleeve surgery has become one of the fastest growing bariatric surgical procedures over the past few years. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular options because it yields significant weight loss with low complication rates and offers great benefits to patients.

Weight loss occurs relatively quickly with gastric sleeve surgery – a majority of the weight loss will occur in the first 18 months. During the procedure, the surgeon reduces the stomach size by 80% causing the patient to feel full sooner while eating. Hunger and cravings are also reduced, and, as a result, a patient may lose up to 70% of their excess body weight. Gastric sleeve surgery can also cure or alleviate a number of health problems that are associated with weight issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and other conditions.

Gastric sleeve surgery has a shorter operating time than other procedures and typically only requires a one to three day recovery time in the hospital. With this procedure, there is no re-routing of a patient’s intestines or any change in the ability to absorb calories or nutrients. There are also no adjustments needed following the procedure, unlike some other weight-loss procedures. While all procedures do come with potential complications, gastric sleeve surgery requires less frequent reoperation and check-ups than others.