Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Your Next Step for 2026? What to Know

If losing weight is on your resolution list, again, this year, you’re not alone. Weight loss is regularly one of the most popular resolutions each New Year. The popularity of this resolution isn’t surprising given that, in the United States, the obesity rate is over 40%. 

Unfortunately, diet and exercise don’t always work when it comes to significant long-term weight loss; both psychological and biological factors can make diets ineffective. 

If you’re living with obesity and serious about getting your weight under control this year, gastric sleeve surgery may be the key to sticking with your resolution today — and for the long-term. 

In this month’s blog, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon Michael Sutker, MD, explains how gastric sleeve surgery promotes effective long-term weight loss.

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is an umbrella term for several different weight-loss procedures. 

During gastric sleeve surgery, Dr. Sutker removes about 80% of your stomach, transforming it from a large sac into a small, thin tube, or “sleeve.” A smaller stomach reduces the amount of food you can comfortably eat, making you feel fuller faster — with much less food. 

Gastric sleeve surgery also reduces the amount of hunger hormones your body produces, helping to reduce your appetite and curb unhealthy cravings. 

Am I a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

Candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are people with obesity — either with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or over, or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more weight-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. 

Additionally, you must have tried conventional weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise, first, but without success. Dr. Sutker can determine if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you.

Is gastric sleeve surgery effective for long-term weight loss?

With gastric sleeve surgery, the average weight loss in the first two years after surgery is 25% to 30% of a patient’s total body weight. However, depending on your starting weight and the lifestyle changes you make and stick with, you may lose up to 60% of your total body weight.

According to bariatric experts, a person with a BMI greater than 35 has less than a 1% chance of reaching and maintaining a normal body weight on their own. When it comes to long-term weight loss success, bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, is the most effective way for people to lose and maintain weight loss 10 years after surgery. 

While gastric sleeve surgeries are the most commonly performed weight loss surgeries and have a high rate of success and low complication rate, only 1% of people who qualify for this surgery have it. 

Gastric sleeve surgery in Dallas, Texas

Make 2026 the year you finally lose that weight — and regain your health. To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery or other bariatric procedures, call Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas, Texas, today, or use our easy online booking feature to request an appointment at your convenience.