The sleeve gastrectomy is our most common weight-loss procedure—about 70% of our patients choose this option.
How Sleeve Gastrectomy Works
During the sleeve gastrectomy, the size and shape of the stomach are reduced using a stapling device to create a narrow “sleeve,” similar in shape to a banana. The remaining portion of the stomach - about two-thirds - is removed through a small incision near the belly button.
This procedure permanently reduces the size of your stomach, which limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. Food continues to travel through the digestive system normally, allowing your body to fully absorb the vitamins and nutrients it needs.
Because the surgery involves only the stomach and not the intestines, it is considered a simpler metabolic procedure. By removing a portion of the stomach, the sleeve also reduces the production of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger. This leads to decreased appetite, earlier fullness and better portion control.
West Virginia's Weight Loss Specialists
Our bariatric surgeons are experts in a variety of weight loss surgery techniques.
