What it means
The surgeon removes a large part of the stomach and staples the rest into a tube. The intestines are not rerouted. A smaller stomach holds less food, and removing the part that makes much of the body's ghrelin may also reduce hunger.
Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric operation in the US. It is technically simpler than gastric bypass, and the NIDDK notes it cannot be reversed because part of the stomach is removed.
Possible downsides include new or worse acid reflux in some people, staple-line leaks and, over time, vitamin and mineral shortfalls. Lifelong supplements and follow-up are standard.
Weight regain can happen years later. Some people then work with their team on nutrition, behavior support, medicines or a revision surgery.
Why it matters
The sleeve is the surgery most often weighed against GLP-1 medicines for people with severe obesity.