Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

09 April 2023

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures in the Memphis area and across the country. At Desoto Bariatrics in Southaven, MS, patients considering weight loss surgery almost always arrive with the same core questions. Below, we answer the most frequent ones in plain, practical terms.

What Exactly Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

During a sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes roughly 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve. This smaller stomach limits how much food you can eat at one time, and because much of the hunger-producing portion of the stomach is removed, most patients also experience a significant reduction in appetite. Unlike gastric bypass, the digestive tract is not rerouted, so food continues to pass through the intestines normally.

Who Is a Candidate for the Procedure?

Most insurance programs and bariatric guidelines use similar criteria when determining candidacy. You may be a good candidate if you:

Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
Have a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea
Have documented attempts at supervised weight loss in the past
Are committed to lifelong follow-up, dietary changes, and vitamin supplementation

Every patient still needs a full evaluation, including a medical history, nutrition counseling, and often a psychological assessment, before surgery is scheduled.

How Is the Surgery Performed, and What Is Recovery Like?

The Operation Itself

Gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically, meaning the surgeon uses several small incisions and a camera rather than one large opening. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, and most patients spend only one night in the hospital.

The Weeks Afterward

Recovery follows a predictable pattern. Most people return to non-physical work within two weeks, though heavier labor may require more time. Your diet will progress through clear liquids, full liquids, pureed foods, soft foods, and finally solid foods over the course of several weeks. Walking begins almost immediately, and regular light exercise is encouraged early to support healing and circulation.

How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose?

Results vary from person to person, but sleeve gastrectomy patients generally lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months. Weight loss is fastest in the first three to six months and gradually slows. Just as importantly, many patients see improvement or even remission of conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea. Long-term success depends heavily on following your post-operative eating plan, staying active, and attending follow-up appointments.

What Are the Risks?

Like any surgery, gastric sleeve carries risks. Early risks include bleeding, infection, and leakage from the staple line, though these are uncommon with modern laparoscopic techniques. Longer-term considerations include acid reflux, the possibility of inadequate weight loss or weight regain, and nutritional deficiencies if supplements are not taken consistently. Choosing an experienced bariatric team and committing to lifelong follow-up care dramatically reduces these risks.

Will I Need to Change My Lifestyle Permanently?

Yes, and this is the single most important point to understand. Surgery is a tool, not a cure. Successful patients:

Eat small, protein-focused meals for life
Avoid drinking liquids with meals and skip carbonated beverages
Take daily multivitamins and other prescribed supplements
Exercise regularly and track their progress
Attend scheduled follow-up visits with their surgical team

If you live in the Memphis area, Southaven, or northern Mississippi and want to know whether gastric sleeve surgery is right for you, the next step is a consultation with the team at Desoto Bariatrics. A one-on-one visit allows you to discuss your health history, insurance coverage, and weight loss goals, and to get answers to the questions that matter most for your individual situation.