What a sleeve gastrectomy does
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), often called the gastric sleeve, is a surgical weight-loss procedure. About 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube, or sleeve, that holds much less food.
It works in two ways. The smaller stomach limits how much you can eat at a meal. And the part of the stomach that produces one of the main hunger hormones is removed, so many people feel less hungry.
How laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy works
- Keyhole surgery. You are under general anesthesia, and the surgeon works through several small incisions of 0.5 to 1.5 cm.
- A sleeve is created. About 80% of the stomach is removed. A sleeve gastrectomy is permanent and can't be reversed.
- A staged return to eating. Your dietitian guides you from liquids to soft foods to regular meals while you heal.
Recovery takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Every procedure has risks, and your surgeon will go through them with you before you decide.
Who LSG may suit
LSG is generally discussed for people with a BMI of 30 and above, especially with conditions such as type 2 diabetes. At a BMI of 40 and above, it is still an option, alongside gastric bypass and SADI.
Compared with the endoscopic sleeve
- 25 to 30% typical total body weight loss after LSG, as reported in published literature*
- Generally more weight loss than endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, at 15 to 20%*
- In exchange, incisions, a longer recovery, and a permanent change
*Published literature, not SmartSleeveMD outcomes data. Individual results vary.
Your surgeon confirms candidacy at consultation, after reviewing your full health history. If a less invasive option, or no procedure at all, suits you better, we'll tell you.
LSG with SmartSleeveMD
- Performed by our surgeons at Clinic 360, a private surgical facility in Toronto's Leaside neighbourhood. Meet the team
- Two years of follow-up and aftercare: surgeon follow-ups, remote patient monitoring, dietitian support, and behavioural support through our medical partner WeightSimple
- 3+ more years of medical, nutrition, and behavioural support after that, at no extra cost
- A price of $15,000 to $16,000, with financing available through a third-party lender, subject to approval. Pricing and financing
Your next step
A free consultation, by video or in person, tells you whether a sleeve gastrectomy fits or whether another option suits you better. Check your BMI below to see where you might start.