Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston and Katy

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The Gastric Sleeve Surgery (or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) is a bariatric procedure that removes 75-80% of the stomach. It is now the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the United States and worldwide. Patients can expect an excess weight loss of about 60-70% within one year of surgery with remission or improvement of obesity-related health conditions such as:

  • Diabetes mellitus type II
  • Hypertension
  • Sleep apnea
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Joint pain
  • and Hyperlipidemia

With lifestyle changes, the gastric sleeve success rate at Texas Endosurgery in Houston is approximately 80-90%. Patients experience less desire to eat due to the decrease in gastric volume and decreased in ghrelin (hunger hormone) production. In most but not all the cases, patients also experience a reduction in hunger sensation.

Before and After Photos

Gastric Sleeve Before & After Patient #358
Gastric Sleeve Before & After Patient #358
Gastric Sleeve Before & After Patient #687
Gastric Sleeve Before & After Patient #687
Gastric Sleeve Before & After Patient #518
Gastric Sleeve Before & After Patient #518
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How does the Gastric Sleeve surgery work?

  1. There is a reduction in stomach volume, causing people to feel full much quicker after the surgery.
  2. Hormonal changes such as reduced secretion of hunger hormones cause people to feel less hungry.
  3. Increased stomach motility, which allows food to pass the stomach and intestine quicker after surgery.

Complications and Risks

Over the past decade, with the improvement of surgical techniques and experience, we have been able to decrease the complication rate to less than .5%. However, complications can still occur during and after surgery. The main complications of the gastric sleeve surgery include leakage from the staple line – this is a rare but serious complication of the gastric sleeve surgery.

We at Texas Endosurgery, Houston, pay paramount attention to our surgical techniques to minimize all the complications.

Dr. Bonnor is a board-certified cosmetic and well experienced in post-bariatric surgery body contouring. If unwanted, loose skin and tissue hide the results of weight loss surgery, we can work with you to smooth and shape your body and ensure you feel and look your best.

Diet after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

  • Day 1: Clear liquid diet. Some surgeons allow patients to drink water a few hours after surgery
  • Day 2-14: Full liquid diet including protein shakes, yogurt, broth, milk, and juice
  • Weeks 2 to 4: Puree to soft food
  • Patients can begin introducing soft food to regular food 4 weeks after surgery. They are encouraged to eat a small amount of food each time and have meals that are more frequent.
  • All patients must take multi-vitamin and vitamin D after surgery

Comparison of Gastric Sleeve to other Types of Bariatric Procedures

Laparoscopic gastric banding (Lap-band) was once very popular. However, due to its high rate of long-term complications and inferior weight loss, the number of Lap-band surgeries went down every year in the US and worldwide.

Dr. Bonnor at Texas Endosurgery Houston does not perform the Lap-band procedure at this time. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery is the gold standard of bariatric surgery. However, Gastric Sleeve has replaced the Gastric Bypass Surgery as the most popular bariatric surgery in recent years due to its technical simplicity and fewer long-term complication rates.

Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery

Technically, the Gastric Sleeve is a much simpler surgery. The operating time for the gastric sleeve surgery is usually 40-70 minutes, while gastric bypass surgery takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. There is a much lower chance for nutrient or vitamin deficiency with the Gastric Sleeve procedure. In addition, there is no mal-absorption for Gastric Sleeve patients as well as no bowel obstruction, marginal ulcer, and internal hernias that would otherwise occur with a gastric bypass. The chances of Gastric Sleeve patients developing these complications are exceedingly rare.

Recovery

The surgery takes approximately 50-70 minutes and discharge from hospital typically occurs early afternoon or the following day. Within 3 to 4 weeks of the procedure, you will be able to eat most foods. All patients are encouraged to walk as early as 3-4 hours after surgery. In general, the pain is easily manageable after surgery. Most patients take less than the recommended pain medication.

Most patients go back to work and/or school after 1 week.

Fatigue is common the first 2 weeks due to low-calorie intake from the liquid diet. However, the majority of patients do not feel hungry during this stage of the diet. The energy level improves quickly after the introduction of the soft diet, which is approximately 2 weeks after surgery. Patients can begin exercising 3 weeks after surgery.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery at Texas Endosurgery in Houston

Schedule a consultation with one of Houston’s best bariatric surgeon at Texas Endosurgery in Houston to start your life-changing gastric sleeve procedure today.

Call 281-579-5638 or fill out our online form.

*Weight loss results can vary depending on the individual. There is no guarantee of specific results.*