SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY SURGERY

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery performed by Dr. H. Joseph Naim at his Los Angeles, Long Beach and Orange County locations involves the removal of approximately 80 percent of the stomach, and is performed to encourage healthy weight loss. Also referred to as a gastric sleeve, this procedure is one of the most popular weight loss surgeries in the U.S. By removing a portion of the stomach to create a sleeve-like tube, the stomach’s capacity is significantly reduced. This limits the amount you can consume in a single sitting, effectively helping you to achieve long-lasting weight loss. 

What Can Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Do for You?

A sleeve gastrectomy removes a large amount of the stomach, which helps to curb the appetite and move food through the stomach faster, which helps prevent absorption of excess calories. Patients typically experience higher rates of success with a gastric sleeve over other surgical options, such as a LAP-BAND®. Most patients benefit from a reversal of co-morbidities such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and more.

Patients typically experience higher rates of success with a gastric sleeve over other surgical options.

A Closer Look at Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

In addition to having a BMI (body mass index) greater than or equal to 40, or a BMI of at least 35 and two or more co-morbidities, it is also important that patients have realistic expectations for outcomes and are ready and willing to adapt to a healthier lifestyle after surgery. 

Preparing for Surgery

A sleeve gastrectomy is performed under general anesthesia and generally takes one to two hours. Before your surgical appointment, our team will ensure you know exactly what to expect at various stages in your treatment so you feel fully prepared. 

During the Operation

The gastric sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically. Several small incisions are created in the abdomen, and then a laparoscope, which contains a small camera, is inserted to guide the instruments. Dr. Naim then removes a large majority of the stomach. The intestines are left intact and unlike gastric bypass, are not bypassed in this surgery. Once 75 to 80 percent of the stomach is removed, Dr. Naim will suture the remaining stomach “sleeve” and then suture your incisions closed.