The Vetrical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a "restrictive" weight loss procedure that involves removal of the stomach Fundus area. This area is the main source of the production of Ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates the appetite. It also removes the portion of the stomach that acts as a storage area for food. This results in a banana shaped stomach that will decrease the amount of food that you can comfortably eat.
 

In 2003, the sleeve gastrectomy was originally designed as a part of a two-staged procedure in Gastric Bypass patients with a BMI of 60 or greater. It was endorsed in March, 2009 at the International Consensus Summit for Sleeve Gastrectomy as a "stand alone" procedure for weight loss.

The sleeve is conceptually similar to a LAP-BAND^® in that it is a restrictive procedure, though most studies show that weight loss is less than with a Gastric Bypass, but more than with a LAP-BAND^®.

 Considerations for Sleeve Gastrectomy

• No adjustments as with Lap-Band®
• Does not require the implantation of a foreign device
  
• Perioperative risk appears low, even in high BMI patients
• No Dumping Syndrome
• Excess body weight loss reported in the 35-85% range. One to two pounds a week loss in the first year is possible with 35-60% loss in the first year to 18 months on average.
• Irreversible, but may be converted to bypass if weight loss is inadequate
• Requires long-term vitamin and mineral supplements, as with gastric bypass patients
• 5 year American data reported, though long term data beyond this point not yet available
• Now being covered by some insurance companies