• The sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive form of weight loss surgery which permanently reduces the size of your stomach.
• In the operation, the lateral 2/3rds of the stomach are removed with a stapling device.
• While the stomach is drastically reduced in size, its function is preserved. 
• There is no malabsorption of nutrients and supplements/special diets are not required.
• This is often a good option for people living in remote areas or people who work away or travel frequently because it is an operation which little postoperative follow-up.

Advantages:

• Keyhole surgery
• The sleeve gastrectomy avoids the problems associated with bypass forms of weight loss surgery including anemia, intestinal obstruction or blockage, osteoporosis, and protein and vitamin deficiency.
• There is minimal follow-up required.
• The residual stomach capacity is about 100-200mls and so a generous entree size portion can be eaten.
• Because the new stomach continues to function normally, there are very few restrictions on the foods, which can be consumed after surgery.

Disadvantages:

• Has been performed as a weight loss surgery for <10 years therefore long-term data not available as it is with gastric banding.
• Postoperatively, you can expect to stay in hospital for at least 3-4 nights.
• There is a possibility that the stomach tube may stretch up over time leading to late weight regain. The extent of this is currently unknown.
• Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow weight loss.
• This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur.