Gastric Sleeve surgery is the newest form of Bariatric procedure, and involves the removal of about 60% of the patient`s stomach using staples. The surgery is carried out laparoscopically through 5 small incisions in the patient`s abdomen, and is reserved for people with a BMI of 60 or over who are unable to undergo the more high risk procedures. Gastric Sleeve surgery is used both as a weight loss procedure on its own, or to help the patient lose enough weight to undergo either a gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery if required.

The operation itself is carried out under a general anaesthetic, and takes on average 1 to 2 hours. Following surgery the patient is required to remain in hospital for 1 or 2 days for observation, before recovering for a further 2 weeks at home. For these first 2 weeks the patient is required to follow a strict liquid only diet, which is followed over the next 2 weeks by a diet of pureed/semi-solid food. After this the patient is allowed to consume solid food, but is advised to eat 5 small meals a day in order to give their bodies access to all the nutrients they require. Patients are also advised to refrain from high calorie drinks such as cola which will hamper weight loss. If the patient follows all the rules laid out by the surgeon, and carries out regular exercise, they can expect a reduction of 30-50% of their body mass during the year after surgery, with further positive results including: improvements in their diabetes, lowered blood pressure, reduced risk of sleep apnoea, and lowered cholesterol levels.

There are relatively few complications associated with Gastric Sleeve surgery, but those which are known include: Leaking of the stomach caused by the staples pulling apart; weight gain due to the stomach stretching if the patient does not follow the instructions provided by their surgeon; blood clots; and lastly post-operative infections. Once the surgery has been performed it can not be reversed, but unlike the gastric bypass procedure the small intestine is not bypassed so the patient is unlikely to have any long-term problems with the absorption of nutrients - provided they eat small healthy meals regularly.

The typical cost of Gastric Sleeve surgery is between $7,500 and $12,500 in the United States and Mexico, but since it is a relatively new proceedure it is classed as experimental and is not covered by health insurance. If the patient decided to travel outside the United States for the procedure they can expect prices of around $9,500 in Costa Rica; $7,500 in India, and $9,000 in Belgium.