The Gastric Sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically at Panhandle Weight Loss Center. This means that the surgeon will make five or six small incisions in the patient’s abdomen, then use a special video camera (laparoscope) and long, thin surgical instruments to complete the operation.

During a laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, the surgeon uses a stapling device to remove 75 to 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow “tube” or “sleeve.” This surgery is complete in one to two hours, and does not involve re-routing the intestines as some other bariatric procedures do.

Because Gastric Sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically, most patients are able to return home the same day as their weight loss surgery and encounter relatively brief recovery periods. On average, patients are able to return to work 1 week after their gastric sleeve procedure.

In order for patients to increase their odds of success following Gastric Sleeve surgery, it is important that they continue to follow up with their Panhandle weight loss team. Aftercare includes visits with a Physician Extender who can identify any surgical complications, make adjustments to the patient’s medications, and monitor the patient for potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Other members of our patients’ aftercare teams include dietitians, health coaches, and psychologists.

Within two years of surgery, the average Gastric Sleeve recipient loses up to 65% of extra weight. Patients also show marked reduction in or even resolution of obesity comorbidities including:

• Type 2 diabetes (remission in 75% of patients)
• Sleep apnea (all patients in a recent study were able to stop using CPAP masks)
• High blood pressure (71.7% of patients see full remission)