Gastric sleeve - is it enough to only remove 65% of stomach and 80% of ghrelin? Do I have to re-sleeve?

Question

I had gastric sleeve. My BMI was 30, thus it was difficult to find surgeon willing to do the sleeve. One surgeon (abroad) approved it as I have pre-existing medical conditions. Operation went smoothly but I am disappointed to find out he removed only 65%of stomach and 80% of ghrelin? Is this enough as I read it is usually 80-90% stomach - would I have to re-sleeve? He said it was because my BMI was 30 and 80-90% removal is for much higher BMI

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

It’s understandable to have concerns about the extent of stomach removal during your sleeve gastrectomy. Typically, 80-90% of the stomach is removed in standard procedures, along with a significant portion of ghrelin production to reduce hunger. In your case, the surgeon opted to remove 65% of the stomach and 80% of ghrelin, likely due to your lower BMI of 30. This approach is sometimes taken to reduce surgical risk and avoid complications like strictures or reflux.
If you’re finding it difficult to manage hunger, portion sizes, or achieve your desired weight goals, you may want to explore the option of a re-sleeve procedure. This would involve further reducing the stomach size, but it does come with added risks due to scarring and previous alterations.
Before considering a re-sleeve, it may be helpful to assess for anatomical issues (like dilation or twisting of the sleeve) that could be affecting your results.

Walfre Edwin Guerrero Burgueno, MD · Answer

The extent of stomach and ghrelin removal can vary based on individual factors, including BMI. While 80% stomach removal is ideal (specially for higher BMIs), removing 65% could still be effective, especially given your lower BMI. The success of your sleeve depends not only on the percentage removed but also on how your body responds over time. It’s important to focus on lifestyle changes, the follow-ups with your surgeon and the multidisciplinary team (nutritionist, psychologist) will help determine if additional interventions are necessary.

Islam Abdelkhalek, MD · Answer

Your surgeon spoke right. But still you can do revisional surgery in the form of gastric bypass not sleeve if you gained weight again. Hope that helps

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. It sounds like he performed a "mini sleeve" which is when you remove less that 70% of the stomach. Based on your BMI, which as you stated is not as high, it sounds like the correct course of action. There is always a chance of re-sleeve, even when higher percentages of stomach is removed. Your nutritional habits following the surgery will most definitely play an important role in this.

H. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS · Answer

No, it's not enough.Actually the Sleeve procedure is a restrictive surgery in addition to having a metabolic component. So even though the Ghrelin is reduced, unless you have a small stomach, your results will be limited.So you need to see a specialist with experience in revisional surgery. If your stomach is large, then you may benefit from a Re-Sleeve. In my practice we don't charge the procedure for low or high BMI.

Gastric sleeve - is it enough to only remove 65% of stomach and 80% of ghrelin? Do I have to re-sleeve?

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Answer: Gastric sleeve - is it enough to only remove 65% of stomach and 80% of ghrelin? Do I have to re-sleeve?

Answer: Gastric sleeve - is it enough to only remove 65% of stomach and 80% of ghrelin? Do I have to re-sleeve?

Answer: Re-Sleeve

Answer: Re-Sleeve

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Gastric sleeve - is it enough to only remove 65% of stomach and 80% of ghrelin? Do I have to re-sleeve?

Answers (6)

Answer: Gastric sleeve - is it enough to only remove 65% of stomach and 80% of ghrelin? Do I have to re-sleeve?

Answer: Gastric sleeve - is it enough to only remove 65% of stomach and 80% of ghrelin? Do I have to re-sleeve?

Answer: Re-Sleeve

Answer: Re-Sleeve

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.