Paul D. Bailey, III, MD
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve Overview
The sleeve gastrectomy, gastric sleeve, or just “the sleeve” is the most common weight loss surgery performed in the United States. In this surgery, a large portion, about 75-80% of the stomach is removed to help facilitate weight loss. During this procedure, the portion of the stomach that is kept is measured, and the “excess” stomach is removed with a surgical stapling device, creating a narrow tube of stomach. The remaining portion can hold about 12 ounces. These procedures are usually performed laparoscopically or robotically.
How Does the Sleeve Work Exactly?
The sleeve gastrectomy works in multiple ways. First, removing a large part of the stomach volume means a patient will feel full sooner while eating. Overall, the patient eats less and loses weight with decreased calorie intake.
A second and very important mechanism for weight loss are the hormonal changes that happen after the sleeve. These changes help the body reset its “set point” for weight, which is the weight the body wants to stay at, making it easier to lose weight compared to a typical “plateau” when attempting diet and exercise alone.
Patients who have the sleeve will have an increased metabolism, and often do not feel hungry between meals, like one would with diet and exercise.
Dr. Bailey offers comprehensive weight management care and bariatric and general surgery to patients in northeast Florida and Georgia. Dr. Bailey and his team understand how challenging it can be to begin your wellness and weight loss journey. We will work together to create a personalized plan that’s right for you.
What weight loss can I expect?
Everyone will experience weight loss differently after bariatric surgery. There are a number of factors that contribute to your weight loss, including underlying health conditions, ability to maintain appropriate diet and activity levels postoperatively, follow-up with your bariatric program, and many other factors. The average weight loss after a sleeve gastrectomy is about 50-60% of your excess body weight. This is maintained for several years after surgery.
What is the recovery like?
Everybody recovers from surgery at their own pace. Everyone will spend one night in the hospital after surgery. We will monitor your bloodwork, vitals and hydration status. There may be some nausea the day of surgery but postoperative pain is usually minimal and both of these improve by the first day after surgery. We will send you home when you are able to take enough fluids to keep yourself hydrated at home without IV fluids. About 5% of patients may require an extra day to reach this goal. If you require extra time, that is OK. We will not discharge you from the hospital until you are ready to succeed at home.
What are the risks?
Unfortunately, no surgery can be performed without risks. Thankfully, bariatric surgery, especially the sleeve gastrectomy, has a very low rate of complications. Nationally, the risk of complication is about 4 percent. Some complications that can arise from the sleeve include: gastritis; heartburn; stomach ulcers; injury to the stomach; intestines, or other organs during surgery; leakage from the line where parts of the stomach have been stapled together; poor nutrition, scarring inside the abdomen that could lead to a future blockage in the bowel; and vomiting.
Contact Us
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We will do our best to contact you within a few business days. If you need immediate assistance, please contact 904-296-4141. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
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Paul D. Bailey, III, MD
SERVICES
OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday-Closed
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**Weight-loss results may vary for each individual, and specific results are not guaranteed.