Treatment

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve): how the procedure works, who it may suit, risks specific to the sleeve, recovery and alternatives.

Sleeve gastrectomy, often called a gastric sleeve, is one of the most commonly performed bariatric operations worldwide. A large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrower, tube-shaped stomach. This reduces the volume of food the stomach holds and also reduces production of hormones that drive hunger.

How it works

The procedure works in two ways: it restricts how much you can comfortably eat, and it changes appetite-regulating hormone signalling. It does not reroute the intestine, so absorption of nutrients is less affected than with bypass procedures — though supplementation is still required.

Who it may be suitable for

Suitability is determined by clinical assessment against the criteria described on the bariatric surgery page. Sleeve gastrectomy is sometimes preferred where a simpler procedure is desirable, or where rerouting the intestine is not advisable.

Points specific to sleeve gastrectomy

  • The removed portion of stomach cannot be replaced — the procedure is not reversible.
  • Reflux can develop or worsen after a sleeve. Where reflux is already significant, another procedure may be more appropriate.
  • Leak at the staple line is an uncommon but serious complication.

Risks and considerations

All surgery carries risk. General surgical risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots and anaesthetic complications. Longer term, bariatric procedures require lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation with periodic blood tests, permanent changes to how and how much you eat, and carry a possibility of weight regain. Risks are assessed individually before any decision. The full picture is set out on the bariatric surgery page.

Recovery and life afterwards

Eating progresses in stages from liquids to soft textures to regular foods, under your team’s guidance. Lifelong follow-up, supplementation, adequate protein and hydration, and gradual return to activity are part of treatment. Timelines are individual — follow the plan you are given.

Alternatives

Gastric bypass, the Allurion Balloon, and medical weight management.

Why consult Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

A general, bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon whose practice is built around obesity treatment, weight-loss surgery and long-term patient care — with treatment recommended only after clinical assessment, never from weight alone.

  • MBBS · DNB — General Surgery
  • FALS · FIAGES · DMAS
More about Dr. Khanna

Please note — This page is general patient education, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you whether a treatment is right for you. Suitability, benefits and risks differ from person to person and can only be established through clinical assessment.

Other treatment pathways

Which pathway suits you depends on your assessment, not on the procedure alone.

Weight Loss

Surgical, procedural and medical weight-loss pathways with Dr. Aman Priya Khanna, and how the right one is chosen through clinical assessment.

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Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment for obesity and related conditions. What it involves, who it may suit, benefits, risks, recovery and alternatives.

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Robotic Bariatric Surgery

Robotic bariatric surgery explained: what the da Vinci platform does, who it may suit, potential benefits, and the risks it does not remove.

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Allurion Balloon

The Allurion Balloon is a swallowable gastric balloon placed without surgery or endoscopy. How it works, who it may suit, what to expect, and the risks.

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