Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of bariatric surgery that involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach about the size and shape of a banana. This smaller stomach can't hold as much food, which limits calorie intake and leads to weight loss. Additionally, the procedure reduces the production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, further aiding in weight loss.

Key features of Sleeve Gastrectomy include:

• Permanent alteration of the stomach
• No rerouting of the intestines
• Typically performed laparoscopically
• Can lead to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions

Why is it done?
Sleeve gastrectomy is recommended for individuals with severe obesity who have not achieved long-term success with non-surgical weight loss methods. Specific criteria include:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, or
• BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, or hypertension
   The procedure aims to help patients achieve significant weight loss, improve obesity-related health conditions, and enhance overall quality of life.

What happens during the procedure?
The sleeve gastrectomy procedure typically involves the following steps:

• General anaesthesia is administered to the patient.
• The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen to insert a camera and surgical instruments.
• Using laparoscopic techniques, the surgeon removes about 80% of the stomach along the greater curvature.
• The remaining stomach is stapled closed, creating a tube or "sleeve" shape.
• The incisions are closed, completing the procedure.
   

The entire surgery usually takes between 60 to 90 minutes when performed by an experienced surgeon. Post-surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring and to begin adjusting to their new dietary requirements.