If you have 50 pounds or more to lose (BMI 30 or greater), the Sleeve Gastrectomy operation may be an ideal option.
The Sleeve Gastrectomy operation (also known as Gastric Sleeve) involves surgically narrowing the stomach to the width of a garden hose.
The decreased stomach volume will help you to eat fewer calories and lose weight.
The Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure is not as established as the Gastric Bypass and LAP-BAND® procedures - it has been performed as a stand alone weight loss procedure for only approximately the last 5 years, so long-term results are not yet known.
The short-term results, however, are very encouraging. Studies show very good weight loss results, low complication rates, and a significant reduction in postoperative hunger (
click here to read more about outcomes after Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery).
To learn more about the Gastric Sleeve operation and our program we encourage you to attend a free, no-obligation
informational seminar
in Orange County with Dr. Oliak - call our office at
1-800-997-1820 or send us an
inquiry form today!
Understanding the Gastric Sleeve Operation

The Gastric Sleeve operation involves surgically narrowing the stomach to greatly diminish the amount of food it can hold (see diagram). The resulting small (approximate 50-100mL volume), narrow stomach
helps patients to eat much smaller portions of food. The Sleeve Gastrectomy operation also has been shown to result in decreased hunger after surgery.
The result of Sleeve Gastrectomy, therefore, is less overall hunger, and satiety after eating smaller portions of food.
Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
Sleeve Gastrectomy is Minimally Invasive
Laparoscopic approach - less pain, faster recovery
Average operative time about 1 hour
Hospital stay 1-2 days
Sleeve Gastrectomy is Safe
Compared to gastric bypass, fewer complications
Long term complications uncommon
No foreign body worries
No malabsorption
Read more about possible complications
Sleeve Gastrectomy is Effective
Studies document average weight loss of 50-70% of excess weight
Long-term studies (>3 years) not yet available
Operation reduces hunger
Read more about weight loss after surgery
Sleeve Gastrectomy causes Medical Problems to Improve or Resolve
Weight related medical problems tend to improve with weight loss
Examples include: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, etc.
Am I a Candidate for Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
Candidates for surgery are generally at least 50 pounds overweight (BMI 30 or greater) and have tried and failed to lose weight numerous times in the past.
Insurance companies usually don’t cover the Sleeve Gastrectomy operation.
What is my BMI?
Hospital Course
Patients are admitted to the hospital the day of surgery. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery usually takes about one hour.
General anesthesia is necessary and usually five incisions are required. Patients begin walking the day of surgery and begin drinking liquids the day after surgery.
Patients are usually discharged from the hospital 1-2 days after surgery.
Diet After Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
The postoperative diet consists of liquids and meal replacement drinks for 3-4 weeks.
Patients then attend a nutrition class to learn how to transition off the liquid diet and to learn the rules of good nutrition and eating after Gastric Sleeve surgery.
After the nutrition class patients transition slowly onto solid food.
Follow-Up After Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
Follow-up appointments are scheduled frequently during the first year after Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. Patients generally are seen at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months after surgery.
After 1 year we generally see patients at 6 month or 1 year intervals.
Rules to Maximize Weight Loss after Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
Long-term success after Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is dependent upon maintaining good eating and exercise habits.
The operation is a tool to help you to lose weight. To work well, the tool needs to be used appropriately.
In general, the rules of surgery are as follows:
1. Eat 3-5 high protein meals per day
2. Don't snack
3. Don't drink liquids with meals
4. Limit your portion sizes
5. Exercise regularly
6. Attend your follow-up appointments
7. Obtain support to stay on track (e.g. attend support group meetings)
Learn More about Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery!
To learn more we encourage you to attend a free, no-obligation informational seminar with Dr. Oliak - call our Orange County office at
1-800-997-1820 or send us an inquiry form today!