A sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 15% of its original size by surgical removal of a large portion of the stomach.  The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach and makes the stomach into a banana shaped stomach.  The procedure is performed laparoscopic and is not reversible.  It is a purely restrictive procedure and is an alternative to gastric banding and bypass.

Excess Weight Loss
Studies have shown sleeve gastrectomy patients can lose up to 65 % of their excess body weight.

Risks
The risks of a sleeve gastrectomy include bleeding and leaks.  The chance of a leak is less generally less than that of a gastric bypass.  Most patients stay overnight and are back to normal activities by two weeks.