The Gastric Sleeve Surgery (or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) is a bariatric procedure that removes 75-80% of the stomach. It is now the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in United States and worldwide. Patients may lose 30 to 50 percent of their excess weight in the first six months, and 77 percent of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. Another study showed that patients could maintain a 50 to 60 percent loss of excess weight 10 to 14 years after surgery.
The surgery limits the amount of food your stomach can hold. You will have some belly pain and may need pain medicine for the first week or so after surgery. The cuts (incisions) that the doctor made may be tender and sore. Because the surgery makes your stomach smaller, you will get full more quickly when you eat.