Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Permanent weight loss surgery in San Diego

A woman with a mobile device wearing headphones preparing to exercise outdoors, representing the active lifestyle that people often enjoy after gastric sleeve surgery.

Permanent weight loss surgery in San Diego

Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss surgery performed by Scripps bariatric surgeons in San Diego. With some of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in Southern California, our team has helped tens of thousands of people safely lose weight and transform their lives.

About gastric sleeve surgery

Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve resection, gastric sleeve surgery is a type of bariatric surgery used to permanently reduce the size of your stomach. Our bariatric surgeons at Scripps use the latest in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques. By making only a few small incisions during surgery, laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery may result in less pain, shorter hospitalization, decreased risk of complications, shorter recovery time and better cosmetic results.

How does gastric sleeve surgery work?

After gastric sleeve surgery, the shape of the remaining stomach pouch is long and skinny. That means food moves through it more slowly, allowing you to feel full for a longer period of time and helping you lose weight.

What happens during gastric sleeve surgery?

During the gastric sleeve procedure, your bariatric surgeon removes 80% of your stomach. The remaining portion, which is shaped like a tube or “sleeve,” can hold only about two ounces of food at any given time. For comparison, an average stomach can hold up to two quarts.


At Scripps, we also have experience with laparoscopic revision bariatric surgery. Revisions could involve removing a gastric band (Lap-Band) and performing a sleeve gastrectomy.

Your bariatric surgery team

The Scripps weight loss and bariatric surgery team gives you the combined expertise of:


  • Highly trained board-certified surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive bariatric surgery
  • Board-certified physicians in other specialties who help provide additional care depending on your specific medical needs
  • Nurse practitioners with expertise in weight management
  • Registered dietitians
  • A certified lifestyle coach
  • Support staff, including a bariatric nurse and physician's assistant for pre- and post-surgery care

Is gastric sleeve surgery right for you?

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of several bariatric surgery procedures Scripps offers to help people lose weight safely and effectively. You and your doctor will discuss which procedure is ideal for you, based on your unique health history and weight loss goals. We encourage you to learn more about whether gastric sleeve surgery is right for you, get answers to frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery and attend a bariatric surgery orientation.

Support services

At Scripps, we understand that while bariatric surgery can be life-changing, successfully keeping the weight off requires ongoing support. That’s why we empower our patients with the right tools and support services to help you be successful at achieving and maintaining your ideal weight. 


Our bariatric surgery support services include:


  • Monthly bariatric support groups
  • Scripps Living Lite behavioral change program
  • Follow-up with a registered dietitian
  • Ongoing support from a bariatric registered nurse


See a full list of our bariatric surgery support services.