WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY WITH PROVEN RESULTS

What Is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgery in which Dr. Naim removes approximately 80% of your stomach. Following the surgery, your stomach will have a vertical sleeve-like appearance, and will be able to hold approximately 100 to 150 mL. For most patients, this smaller stomach allows them to fill up more quickly, and dramatically decrease their food intake. Dr. Naim performs more sleeve gastrectomies than any other type of bariatric surgery, and it has a higher success rate than any other weight loss surgery.

Though the procedure may sound rather extreme, it is quite safe and is performed with minimally invasive laparoscopes – small, illuminated tubes that are equipped with a camera and attached to a computer screen. The laparoscopes are inserted through five tiny incisions in the abdomen. Once inside, 80% of the stomach is removed, and Dr. Naim staples together the rest of the tissues to create the vertical sleeve. All nerves and the sphincter muscles are left intact. Although no bypass or post operative adjustments are needed after a sleeve gastrectomy, for some patients, this surgery is the first step before another procedure such as gastric bypass. Unlike LAP-BAND®, sleeve gastrectomy is non-reversible.

Results

A sleeve gastrectomy typically takes 90 minutes or less, and usually involves a two-night hospital stay. During your recovery, you will be given pain medication and proton pump inhibitors. You will also need to commit to a liquid diet during the first two weeks of recovery, and a pureed diet for an additional two weeks. It is important to eat small meals to avoid stretching out your stomach, which will be much smaller.

Though the sleeve gastrectomy has dramatic results, it is not a quick fix or a miracle cure. Proper diet and exercise is essential for weight loss. With the right lifestyle changes, you can lose 30% to 50% of your body weight in 6 months to 3 years. Such a dramatic reduction in your weight can also help control conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and other health issues. Most noticeably, your lower weight and changes in behavior will help you look better and feel better. In fact, you may find yourself living a much fuller life and enjoying physical activities you thought you would never be able to enjoy again.

Are You a Candidate for Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Though sleeve gastrectomy has a proven success rate and can greatly improve the lives of overweight patients, it is not for everyone. You may be a good candidate for the procedure if:

• You are between the ages of 18 and 60
• You have a BMI of 40 or greater
• You have a BMI of 35 or greater, plus a serious medical condition like diabetes, sleep apnea, GERD, or heart disease
• You are willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in learning more about sleeve gastrectomy, including what you can expect to pay for the procedure, please contact us today. Dr. Naim will be happy to provide you with an initial consultation to discuss your eligibility and the cost of surgery.