Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

Achieve long-term weight loss in Naples and Fort Myers with Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery.

Commonly referred to the as the gastric sleeve procedure, sleeve gastrectomy surgery involves reshaping the stomach into a small and slender tube while 85 percent of the outer portion of the stomach is removed. Much like LAP-BAND surgery, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy limits the amount of food the stomach can hold in one sitting while increasing feelings of satiety or fullness after smaller meals.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Unlike other restrictive weight loss procedures like LAP-BAND, sleeve gastrectomy does not require periodic adjustments after surgery. Additional benefits of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery are:

  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • No medical devices in the body
  • Reduced risk of vitamin deficiency

What does Sleeve Gastrectomy entail?

Your weight loss surgeon will use minimally invasive surgical techniques to make several small incisions in the abdomen. Using a laparoscope, or a thin, flexible tube equipped with surgical tools, a light and camera, your surgeon will remove the outer curvature of the stomach, leaving only a slender portion of the stomach in the shape of a sleeve or tube.  The remaining sleeve of the stomach is sealed with sutures while the original opening of the stomach and connection to the small intestine are left unaltered.

This laparoscopic procedure can successfully reduce the amount of food that can be eaten at one time while also reducing stomach hunger hormone production. These aspects of sleeve gastrectomy make it easier for patients to practice portion control and avoid overeating.

Single Incision Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

For some patients with a lower BMI, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery can be performed via the single incision technique at GI Surgical Specialists. During single incision lap sleeve gastrectomy, your surgeon will complete the gastric band surgery with only one incision through the belly button, eliminating the appearance of multiple external incision scars.

What to expect from Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery?

Though individual results will vary, your sleeve gastrectomy surgery can help you achieve significant weight loss results. On average, most patients of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can expect to lose between 50 and 70 percent of their excess body weight within the first six to twelve months following surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy can also help resolve many existing weight-related health complication such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • High cholesterol

Risks of Sleeve Gastrectomy

The decision to have a gastric sleeve procedure for weight loss is a significant one.  You should be fully informed of both the benefits and the risks associated with this surgery before you decide if this is the right weight loss solution for you.  Your weight loss surgeon will carefully review any risks or complications associated with the procedure so that you are aware of any potential issues prior to your operation.