Gastric Sleeve

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, makes your stomach a fraction of its original size. It may be an option for people with medical issues that can increase the risk of surgical complications. Gastric sleeve may be a safer option than gastric bypass because surgeons can complete the procedure in less time, which reduces risk.

Gastric sleeve surgery helps you lose weight by:

• Making the stomach smaller
• Reducing hunger
• Enabling food to bypass part of the digestive system so fewer calories get absorbed
  
  

Who is a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

Determining whether gastric sleeve, or weight loss surgery in general, is right for you takes time. The team, which includes surgeons, dietitians, mental health professionals and more, gets to know you as an individual. We help you establish healthy eating patterns before surgery, so you have excellent chances for success.

Gastric sleeve surgery may be right for you if you:

• Have scar tissue from previous abdominal surgeries: Scar tissue increases the risk of complications during procedures that involve the lower intestine, like gastric bypass. Gastric sleeve surgery focuses more on tissue in the upper intestine.
• Take medications to control other medical issues: Unlike gastric bypass, gastric sleeve does not limit your ability to absorb substances you swallow, like medications.
• Wish to become pregnant: Many women who become pregnant after gastric sleeve take in enough nutrients for a full-term, healthy pregnancy and baby.
  
  

What to expect with gastric sleeve surgery

Bariatric surgeons use leading practices that help you receive safe, efficient care. Many gastric sleeve patients go home the same day. We are with you through the many phases of your weight loss journey, making it easier to lose weight.

Here’s how gastric sleeve surgery works:

• You receive medication (anesthesia) that puts you to sleep and blocks sensation during the procedure.
• Surgeons remove the majority of the curved portion of your stomach.
• They take the remaining tissue and secure the edges together to form a banana-shaped sleeve.

Our team takes time to explain what will happen before, during and after your procedure, so you feel prepared for surgery. Find out more about weight loss surgery and what to expect.

 

What happens after I’ve had gastric sleeve surgery?

We perform gastric sleeve surgery in a hospital under general anesthesia. You can expect the following after surgery:

• Our bariatric team closely monitors you until the anesthesia wears off. Medications including nonnarcotic painkillers help you stay comfortable. We assist you when getting out of bed for the first time.
• Most patients undergoing gastric sleeve surgery leave the hospital the same day. The length of your hospital stay depends in part on your medical history and recovery after waking up.
• A day or two after leaving the hospital, a member of the care team calls you to see how recovery is going. We help you avoid complications by reviewing at-home care instructions. You may receive helpful reminders, like getting out of bed regularly, even if it’s a little uncomfortable.
• Regular office visits with our team help you continue making progress toward your goals. You may visit with the dietitian, mental health professional or other specialists. We also do bloodwork to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need.
• We are happy to help if you need support between appointments. Whether it’s questions about what to eat or a little extra encouragement, we are here for you.