Will I be completely asleep during the procedure?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Common Questions

• Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?

  No, a gastric sleeve is a permanent, non-reversible procedure because a portion of the stomach is physically removed. However, it is highly effective and can be converted to other procedures, such as a gastric bypass, if medically necessary later in life.

• How does the gastric sleeve help with weight loss?

  It works in two primary ways: Restriction, by physically limiting how much you can eat before feeling full, and Hormonal Change, by removing the part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”). This combination helps patients lose weight while significantly reducing the constant urge to eat.

• What exactly is a gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)?

  A gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical weight loss procedure that permanently reduces the size of the stomach by approximately 75-80%. The surgeon removes the outer portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow, sleeve-shaped tube about the size of a banana. This limits food capacity and reduces hunger-inducing hormones.

• How much weight can I expect to lose with a gastric sleeve?

  On average, patients lose between 60% to 70% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months following surgery. Success depends on following the nutritional guidelines and lifestyle recommendations provided by our clinical team in Toronto.

• How long does the gastric sleeve procedure take?

  The surgery itself typically takes between 45 to 90 minutes. It is performed under general anesthesia using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques, which involves small incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.