Sleeve Gastrectomy This minimally invasive surgery is particularly well-suited for those at the highest risk for surgery, either because of their medical history or their weight. Under certain conditions, it is also offered as a first-step, lower-risk bridge to other bariatric operations. The procedure involves removing 80 percent of the stomach, leaving only a tube or "sleeve" of stomach behind. This restricts the amount of food that a patient can eat, and often leads to significant weight loss, in addition to also changing hormone production related to hunger. View full image