Bariatric Gastric sleeve surgery: Is it a mandate to remove 80 percent of your stomach?

Question

I'm in the bariatric surgery weight loss process. I have completed the blood test and undergoing my 3rd waiting. However I am still nervous about proceeding with the surgery itself. The surgery is not reversible and I am uncomfortable knowing 80% of my stomach will be removed. Is it standard in gastric sleeve to remove 80% stomach? Is it possible to negotiate to request to remove 50% of your stomach?

Jorge Maytorena, MD · Answer

The advantage that I can take away the percentage that I think necessary we can reach an agreement on how much the patient wants to remove, it is not a rule that I should remove 80%

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

It's completely understandable to feel nervous about the gastric sleeve procedure, particularly due to its irreversible nature and the significant removal of the stomach. In a typical gastric sleeve surgery, about 75-80% of the stomach is removed. This is a standard approach based on extensive research and clinical experience, as removing this portion of the stomach effectively limits its capacity and significantly reduces hunger. It also improves metabolic functions, contributing to weight loss and overall health benefits.
Requesting the removal of only 50% of your stomach is technically possible, but it is not a common practice. A smaller portion of stomach removal generally results in a larger stomach pouch, which could reduce the effectiveness of the procedure. A larger stomach may mean you retain more of your ability to eat larger portions, which can slow down weight loss or even increase the likelihood of regaining weight in the future. The standard removal amount, while seemingly drastic, is intended to give you the best chance for long-term success by ensuring the stomach is sufficiently restricted.
Additionally, the procedure uses a specific technique and tools, such as a bougie, to guide the size of the remaining stomach. The smaller the bougie used, the tighter and smaller the remaining stomach will be. If you are concerned about the size of the stomach being too small for your comfort, you can discuss the possibility of using a larger bougie size to allow for a slightly larger stomach. However, this may slightly reduce the overall effectiveness in terms of weight loss and appetite control.
It is essential to communicate openly with your surgeon about your concerns. They can provide a thorough explanation of the potential risks and benefits of different approaches, taking your health and comfort into consideration.

Islam Abdelkhalek, MD · Answer

Removing 50% of the stomach is not good when doing surgery as the fundus should be removed. If you remove only 50% the regain of weight will be after 4 months. So 80% of the stomach should be removed to obtain ideal results. In fact, after passing one year of the operation, the stomach dilates somehow again so it will not be the same 20%you came out from the procedure withSo no need to worry

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Yes, 70-80% of your stomach is removed during a gastric sleeve procedure. This is the percetage of stomach needed to be removed in order for your weigt loss process to be effective. However, if you are having doubts about your surgery it is best to communicate them to your surgeon and discuss them with your team's psicologist. Hope this answer was useful.

Gian Contreras, MD · Answer

Yes, we Bariatric Surgeons use a standardized gastric boogie (gastric splint) in order to make a perfect sleeve. 
And “No”, at least in our practice we don’t negotiate removing o modify a Bariatric technique, that has proven to work efficiently.

Bariatric Gastric sleeve surgery: Is it a mandate to remove 80 percent of your stomach?

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Answer: Bariatric Gastric sleeve surgery: Is it a mandate to remove 80 percent of your stomach?

Answer: Bariatric Gastric sleeve surgery: Is it a mandate to remove 80 percent of your stomach?

Answer: Is it standard in gastric sleeve to remove 80% stomach? Is it possible to negotiate to request to remove 50% of your stomach?

Answer: Is it standard in gastric sleeve to remove 80% stomach? Is it possible to negotiate to request to remove 50% of your stomach?

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Bariatric Gastric sleeve surgery: Is it a mandate to remove 80 percent of your stomach?

Answers (7)

Answer: Bariatric Gastric sleeve surgery: Is it a mandate to remove 80 percent of your stomach?

Answer: Bariatric Gastric sleeve surgery: Is it a mandate to remove 80 percent of your stomach?

Answer: Is it standard in gastric sleeve to remove 80% stomach? Is it possible to negotiate to request to remove 50% of your stomach?

Answer: Is it standard in gastric sleeve to remove 80% stomach? Is it possible to negotiate to request to remove 50% of your stomach?

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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.