It’s the newest form of weight-loss surgery.

“Basically, it’s kind of in between a gastric bypass and a lap band or a gastric band. We still do it laproscopically,” adds bariatric surgeon, Dr. Moses Shieh of Lee Memorial Health System. It’s called the “sleeve gastrectomy.” Seventy-five percent of the stomach is removed and what remains is similar to a narrow tube. “Your stomach is about the size of a two-liter pop bottle but we make the size and sleeve of it like a banana,” explains Dr. Shieh.

It’s a shorter procedure and can sometimes be done in just one day, depending on the patient’s medical history. Dr. Shieh says it can be an important first step in a sequence of weight-loss surgeries. Other times, it may be the only surgery needed.

“I think it has tremendous benefits and those are the things coming down the pipeline.” Unlike gastric banding procedures, a sleeve gastrectomy is irreversible.

It’s important to make an informed decision with your doctor when considering this weight-loss option.