One of the most common questions we get from our patients is: how much of the stomach is removed during gastric sleeve surgery? and how do we know the correct amount?

The answer is simple: during this procedure, we remove between 70% and 80% of the stomach’s total size. To ensure accuracy, we use a tool called a calibration tube, which serves as a guide. This instrument allows us to make sure we don’t leave the stomach too large, which could reduce the effectiveness of the surgery, nor too small, which could cause adverse effects, such as acid reflux or intolerance to certain foods.

During the procedure, we first show the stomach in its full size. We use a surgical stapler to make the first cut, following the guide provided by the calibration tube. The remaining part of the stomach, known as the gastric sleeve, is what will handle digestion after the surgery. We continue cutting the stomach until the desired portion is removed, ensuring the size is optimal for nutrient absorption and controlled weight loss.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the procedure, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions.