Types of Bariatric Surgery

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is an operation to remove much of the stomach, leaving a smaller, tubular stomach. Nothing more is done. It is, therefore, a gastric restrictive procedure.

Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Can be done laparoscopically and can be safer in very large patients
• No change in digestive physiology

Disadvantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Skill considered “experimental,” so is not covered by insurance
• Exact long-term results unknown; may be first of two-stage procedure in “super-super obese.”