It is a surgery done for obesity where a large portion of the stomach is permanently removed leaving a stomach of approximately 120ml. Reducing the size of the stomach restricts the amount of food consumed. It also causes hormonal changes that assist with weight loss. This procedure is permanent and non-reversible. It is a restrictive procedure. Some surgeons advocate putting a fixed band around the newly formed sleeve to achieve weight loss and prevent future weight regain.

Alternate names for this procedure are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric sleeve or simply the sleeve. The procedure is done via a laparoscope, meaning the surgery is done without opening up one’s body. It is instead done through small incisions using tiny surgical instruments.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy originated as a modification and first part in a bariatric procedure called the duodenal switch. It is also used as a safer alternative for patients who have specific lung or heart problems that would make it difficult for them to undergo long procedures or anesthesia.