Sleeve Gastrectomy: What It Is, Who It Helps, and What You Need to Know

When you hear sleeve gastrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes a large portion of the stomach to help with weight loss. Also known as gastric sleeve, it’s one of the most common bariatric surgery options today. Unlike older methods that reroute the intestines, this surgery just makes your stomach smaller — no bypass, no foreign devices. It’s not a quick fix, but for people with obesity who’ve tried diet and exercise without lasting results, it can change everything.

This procedure works by cutting off about 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube-shaped pouch. That smaller space fills up faster, so you feel full after just a few bites. But it’s not just about size — the part removed also produces ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Less ghrelin means fewer cravings, less constant hunger, and better control over eating. People who’ve had it often report feeling like their body finally cooperates with their goals. It’s not magic, but it removes a major biological barrier to weight loss.

Sleeve gastrectomy is typically recommended for those with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 with conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. It’s also used for people who can’t safely undergo more complex surgeries. Recovery is faster than with gastric bypass, and complications are less common. But it’s still major surgery. You’ll need to follow strict dietary guidelines, take lifelong vitamin supplements, and commit to regular checkups. Many patients lose 50–70% of their excess weight in the first year — but only if they stick with the plan.

It’s not for everyone. If you’re not ready to change how you eat, drink, and move long-term, this surgery won’t help. And while it’s effective, it’s not a cure-all. Some people regain weight if they go back to old habits. Others struggle with nausea, acid reflux, or nutrient deficiencies. That’s why it’s paired with counseling, nutrition coaching, and support groups. The real success comes from the lifestyle changes that follow — not just the cut.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on how medications interact with post-surgery recovery, what to expect with nutrient absorption, how to manage diabetes after the procedure, and why some people need to adjust their prescriptions entirely. These aren’t theory pieces — they’re based on what patients actually face after sleeve gastrectomy. Whether you’re considering the surgery, just had it, or are helping someone who did, you’ll find clear answers here.