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Gastric Sleeve Surgery

(Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Learn More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery & How This Procedure May Benefit You

gastric sleeve - West MedicalDo you ever feel like your weight is holding you back from the life you want to live? Are you tired of trying diet after diet, only to see little to no progress? Well, you’re not alone. 

Over 40% of adults in the United States are struggling with obesity, a condition that can take a physical, emotional, and social toll on your entire life. 

While there are many ways to lose weight, you may find that traditional methods like diet and exercise aren’t enough to achieve the results you’re looking for, especially for long-term success. 

However, in recent years, weight loss surgery has emerged as a viable option for those struggling with obesity. And one type of procedure that’s gained tremendous popularity and credibility is the gastric sleeve. 

The process of a gastric sleeve involves removing a portion of your stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped organ that can help you feel full faster and prevent you from overeating. 

Of course, here at West Medical, We understand that considering gastric sleeve surgery is a big decision, but we are here to provide you with all the information and support you need to make an informed choice that’s right for you.

Today, we invite you to join us as we delve into the answers to the two most crucial gastric sleeve questions: “What’s a gastric sleeve?” and “How is a gastric sleeve done?” 

We’ll also explore the numerous benefits and long-term effects of gastric sleeve surgery so that you can take the first steps toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling future.

If you’re interested or in need of gastric sleeve revision surgery, learn more here.

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a life-changing weight loss procedure that has transformed the lives of many individuals struggling with obesity.

Sleeve gastrectomy, which is another name for gastric sleeve, reduces your stomach size to a tubular shape that resembles a banana. By reducing your stomach size, the gastric sleeve limits the amount of food you can eat, thus helping you to feel fuller faster.

This bariatric procedure has become increasingly popular since it was first performed in 1990, and it is now the most common weight-loss surgery performed in the United States, not to mention, a safer procedure compared to other weight-loss surgeries.

Many people who’ve opted for a medical gastric sleeve have experienced significant weight loss, with some of our patients shedding as much as 50 to 90 pounds or more.

Our board-certified surgeons have performed thousands of weight loss procedures, making gastric sleeve surgery a life-changing option for those dealing with obesity. Through proper preparation and a commitment to lifestyle changes, our team can help you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your health and quality of life.

How Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Done?

gastric-sleeve-surgery-West-MedicalIf you’re considering medical gastric sleeve surgery, you likely have a lot of questions, like: Is gastric sleeve done laparoscopically? And the answer: Yes! 

Gastric sleeve surgery is most commonly done laparoscopically or robotically. This means that instead of creating a large incision in your abdomen, the surgery is performed through small incisions, which makes recovery much easier for patients. 

Now, let’s look at the gastric sleeve surgery process… 

First things first, the journey towards a healthier you begins with a health screening. Once you pass your health screening, your surgeon will give you specific guidelines regarding your diet. This helps to reduce some of the fat in your abdomen and liver, making the procedure safer and more effective. 

Before the procedure, it’s not usually necessary for most individuals to follow a liquid diet unless they are extremely overweight and have an enlarged liver. 

However, in such cases, a liquid diet may be recommended a week before the weight loss gastric sleeve surgery. This is important as having food or liquid in your stomach can cause unpleasant or even dangerous side effects.

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Step-by-Step Process During a Gastric Sleeve Procedure

  1. During the procedure, you will receive general anesthesia, which will keep you asleep and pain-free. 
  2. Then, our skilled surgeons will create 2 to 4 small incisions in your abdomen to perform the surgery.
  3. Next, a tiny camera called a laparoscope is inserted through the small incisions in your abdomen. This allows our surgeons to see inside your abdomen on a video monitor.
  4. From there, a harmless gas is then pumped into your abdomen to expand it and give the surgeon more room to work.
  5. During this procedure, our surgeons will remove a part of your stomach, which reduces its size by about 70 to 80%.
  6. Once the portion is removed, the remaining sections of your stomach will be the shape and size of a banana.
  7. After the gastric sleeve is performed, our surgeons will remove the laparoscope and other surgical tools. They will then carefully stitch up the small incisions, and cover them with tape.
  8. Depending on the individual, the gastric sleeve surgery process can take 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish. However, the actual surgery itself typically only lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.
  9. After the procedure, most patients can return home within 24 hours, either on the same day or the following morning. If the patient’s job isn’t physically demanding, they can usually return to work within three to five days.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery

In the initial weeks following the procedure, your diet is carefully restricted to promote healing and recovery. This presents a unique opportunity for you to take control of your health and embrace a new, healthier lifestyle.

During the first week after surgery, you will consume light liquids as your stomach heals. Over the next three weeks, you will progress to food puree. By around four weeks post-op, you can gradually return to regular food consumption.

Now, the good news is that during the gastric sleeve process, our surgeons don’t cut or modify the sphincter muscles that control food movement in and out of your stomach. This means you can still enjoy the foods you love, albeit in smaller portions.

You’ll also be able to absorb nutrients and digest food better. Many of our patients report feeling more energized and healthy after the surgery, as they can make healthier choices and feel more confident in their bodies.

With a smaller stomach and a renewed focus on healthy choices, you can experience rapid weight loss and improvements in your overall health. The journey towards a healthier and happier life starts with our gastric sleeve surgery, and the results can be truly transformative.

How Much Weight Do You Have to Be to Get a Gastric Sleeve?

To combat the epidemic of obesity, our bariatric surgeons do require a gastric sleeve weight limit. This means you need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one obesity-related health condition like high blood pressure or diabetes.

However, here at West Medical, our team of experienced bariatric surgeons understands that every individual’s situation is unique. We are dedicated to providing personalized care and will work with you to evaluate your options and determine if gastric sleeve surgery is the best choice for your weight loss journey.

If you do meet the weight for our gastric sleeve requirements, it’s important to note that you will need to participate in a guided weight loss program with exercise and lifestyle modifications before surgery. This program is designed to help you develop healthy habits and ensure that you’re committed to making the necessary lifestyle changes required after weight-loss surgery.

Remember, the decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery is a personal one, and it’s important to do what’s right for you. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, our team of compassionate bariatric surgeons is here to provide you with the information and support you need to make the best choice for your health and well-being. Schedule a free consultation with us if you would like to learn more!

Difference Between Lap Band & Gastric Sleeve

gastric sleeve surgery - West MedicalBoth lap bands and gastric sleeve surgeries are aimed at helping obese individuals lose weight, but they differ in significant ways.

Lap band surgery involves placing an adjustable band around the top portion of the stomach to create a smaller pouch. The band is adjustable and can be tightened or loosened to control the amount of food that enters the stomach. This leads to weight loss over time as it limits the amount of food a person can eat at one time.

However, this procedure may not work for everyone, and there are potential complications, such as band slippage or erosion.

On the other hand, the gastric sleeve is a highly effective and safe option for bariatric surgery with several advantages compared to other options.

Unlike the lap band, the gastric sleeve does not require the placement of a foreign device, reducing the risk of complications over a lifetime. This means there’s no risk of the device shifting around the stomach, which would require additional surgery to remove it.

Another benefit of the gastric sleeve is that it removes the portion of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin. This can lead to a significant reduction in appetite and cravings, which can make it easier to stick to a healthy diet and achieve your weight loss goals.

Lap band surgery is a less invasive procedure, and it’s reversible. However, it offers more potential complications and may not lead to as much weight loss as gastric sleeve surgery.

Gastric sleeve surgery is slightly more invasive and permanent, but it offers greater potential for weight loss and fewer complications.

Your decision on which weight loss procedure to choose should be made in collaboration with our qualified bariatric surgeons. Our experienced team will take the time to evaluate your unique condition, lifestyle, and weight loss goals to recommend the best option for you.

Benefits Of The Gastric Sleeve

Compared to other surgical methods that are more invasive, gastric sleeve surgery is recognized to have fewer complications.

Let’s look at a few gastric sleeve benefits together:

  • Reduces nutrient deficiencies – With sleeve gastrectomy, you won’t have to worry about missing out on essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Small incisions – The surgery is minimally invasive, with small incisions that will heal quickly.
  • Quick recovery – Patients typically recover from sleeve gastrectomy surgery within a few weeks, which is much faster than other procedures.
  • Maintains normal stomach function – Sleeve gastrectomy helps maintain your stomach’s natural function, making it easier to digest food.
  • Accelerate weight loss – The procedure can assist in up to 50% or 60% of weight loss, helping you to achieve your weight loss goals.
  • Prevents overeating – Sleeve gastrectomy reduces the size of your stomach, which helps you to eat smaller portions and avoid overeating. 

Reduces appetite – Unlike other weight loss surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy decreases hunger, making it easier for you to stick to a healthy diet.

Additionally, one of the greatest benefits of sleeve gastrectomy surgery is that it can significantly improve your quality of life. Compared to other procedures like Lap-Band surgery, which can cause discomfort and make it difficult to eat certain foods, sleeve gastrectomy offers a better quality of life for most patients.

Gastric sleeve surgery is also less risky than other weight loss procedures like gastric bypass surgery. Less than 1% of patients who undergo gastric sleeve surgery experience complications. Not to mention, the recovery time is usually very short. Most of our patients go home the same day or the next morning and can return to work within a week.

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery not only offers physical benefits, but it can also have a positive impact on mental health. 

Struggling with obesity can be tough, and it’s common to experience mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and binge eating. But here’s the good news: Sleeve gastrectomy can help with the remission of these problems!

Bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy, has been linked to a modest reduction in clinical depression over the initial postoperative years. This can lead to a significant improvement in physical, psychosocial, and sexual quality of life. 

So, if you’re feeling down or anxious because of your weight, sleeve gastrectomy might be the solution you’re looking for.

What’s more, gastric sleeve surgery can also have regulatory impacts on certain medical markers. These markers include things like serum lipid profiles (which measure the fats in your blood), as well as other markers related to inflammation and how your body functions. 

Gastric sleeve surgery can help improve issues in your body’s tissues, like fibrosis and inflammation. And it can even affect how your blood clots by decreasing thrombin generation.

Overall, the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy are numerous and can greatly enhance the quality of life for those who undergo the procedure.

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How Long Does a Gastric Sleeve Last For?

how long does gastric sleeve last - West MedicalSleeve gastrectomy is a permanent procedure, and its effects can last a lifetime if you make the necessary lifestyle changes and follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen. 

That said, one of the great things about our gastric sleeve is that it makes it easier to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and a nutritious diet. 

You’ll likely feel full faster and eat smaller portions, which can help you make smarter food choices and avoid overeating. This can lead to significant weight loss and a reduction in health conditions related to obesity, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

However, it’s normal to experience some ups and downs along the way, and individual results may vary. But don’t worry, with the help of our expert team, you can navigate any challenges and stay on track.

Attending regular follow-up appointments with our team of healthcare providers is an essential part of your weight loss journey at West Medical. We understand the importance of monitoring your progress and identifying any potential issues to ensure that you’re on the right track toward achieving your goals. 

Remember, gastric sleeve surgery is just one tool in your journey toward a healthier lifestyle, and we are here to provide ongoing support and care every step of the way. With commitment and support, you can achieve long-term success and enjoy the many benefits that come with a healthier, happier life.

How serious is gastric sleeve?

When considering sleeve gastrectomy, patients can take comfort in the fact that the procedure has been shown to have minimal complications, comparable to common surgeries like gallbladder or knee surgery. And with a likelihood of less than 1% for most complications, it’s very unlikely that any risks will occur.

What’s more, the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy far outweigh any potential risks, and the long-term effects of the surgery are overwhelmingly positive. With sleeve gastrectomy, you can expect to lose up to 50% or more of your excess weight in just two years, which can be life-changing.

In addition to significant weight loss, the surgery removes a portion of your stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin, leading to improved overall health.

Gastric sleeve surgery can also help alleviate health conditions related to obesity, including: 

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Type 2 diabetes, stroke
  • Infertility

Additionally, sleeve gastrectomy can boost your overall physical ability, making it easier to carry out your daily routine, and enhance your overall quality of life.

At West Medical, we are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall well-being. Our compassionate team of experts will work closely with you to determine if gastric sleeve surgery is the right choice for your unique needs and goals.

Does Medical Insurance Cover Gastric Sleeves in California?

Navigating insurance coverage for gastric sleeve surgery in California can be complex, but at West Medical, we are here to help you every step of the way. Our team can assist you in understanding your insurance coverage and any requirements that need to be met for the procedure to be covered.

If insurance does not cover the surgery, we offer financing options and can provide guidance on other resources that may be available to help make the surgery more accessible. 

We believe that everyone deserves access to safe and effective weight loss options, and we are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

What Is the Downside to the Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric sleeve surgery is an effective weight loss option that has helped countless people achieve a healthier, happier life. While any surgical procedure involves careful consideration, it’s important to note that the potential downsides associated with gastric sleeve surgery are similar to those of standard procedures like gallbladder and knee surgery.

At West Medical, we understand that deciding to undergo surgery can be a significant step. That’s why our experienced bariatric surgeons work closely with you to ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your health. 

We’re here to answer your questions, address any concerns, and support you every step of the way on your weight loss journey.

How to Find the Best California Sleeve Centers ​

To find the best gastric sleeve center in California, you’ll need to hop online and check out reviews from other patients who have gone through the procedure. 

You can also ask your primary care physician or other healthcare providers for referrals to the most trusted gastric sleeve surgeons in your area. 

With that said, be sure to look into the surgeon’s experience and qualifications. Also look at the facility’s accreditation and safety record, and the level of patient care and support they provide. 

You can even schedule a free consultations with several California sleeve centers to compare services, costs, and the potential outcomes of the procedure. 

Remember, taking the time to find the right gastric sleeve center for you is an important part of ensuring a safe and successful weight loss journey.  

That said, we understand that looking for the best gastric sleeve center in California can feel like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be…

Choosing West Medical for Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Experience & Expertise You Can Trust

weight-loss-surgery-West-MedicalAt West Medical, we understand that deciding to undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery can be both exciting and daunting. That’s why we offer personalized care and support before and after gastric sleeve surgery to ensure that you have the best possible outcome. 

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals, including the renowned doctors Shabatian and Salimitari, have been treating patients with obesity and vein conditions for decades. Their vast experience allows us to deliver exceptional care to all of our patients.

However, what truly sets us apart is our post-surgery support program. Our staff members, who have had sleeve gastrectomy themselves, lead this program with compassion and empathy. This means that you will have a support system every step of the way, ensuring that you never have to go through the process alone.

We are committed to making the process as easy as possible for you. We work with various PPO insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits. Our trusted weight loss and vein treatment centers are located throughout Southern California, and you can find our locations here.

We know that the journey to lasting health and happiness is not an easy one, but with our personalized care and support, you won’t have to do it alone. We believe that you are more than just a number or a body, and your unique goals matter to us. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and finally overcome the challenges of obesity, we invite you to partner with us at West Medical to achieve your weight loss goals.

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Our West Medical team is ready to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Talk with a weight loss professional today.
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