Jump To:
- What is Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
- Benefits of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
- How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works
- Am I a Good Candidate?
- What Happen During the Consultation?
- The Procedure
- What to Expect After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
- How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost?
- Support for Your Journey
What is Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a popular weight loss procedure that allows you to lose, on average, 50-60% of excess weight. Our experienced surgeons perform all of our weight loss surgery using laparoscopy, which allows for a faster recovery, small incisions, and less discomfort.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery offers numerous advantages for patients seeking a safe, long-term weight loss solution:
- Less postoperative pain due to the minimally invasive technique
- Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery
- Significant weight loss (50–65% of excess weight on average)
- Improved management or resolution of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea
- No rerouting of intestines like in gastric bypass
- Long-lasting appetite reduction due to the removal of the hunger-producing part of the stomach
- Fewer nutritional deficiencies compared to other bariatric surgery options
How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works
In a sleeve gastrectomy, our surgeons remove about 85% of the stomach and reshape it into a long, narrow tube. This creates a smaller stomach, allowing you to feel full sooner after eating.
REX Bariatric Specialists serves all of North Carolina, providing specialty care in weight loss surgery. Our locations include Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Cary. As a destination center for bariatric surgery, we reach patients throughout the region by telemedicine, from Wilmington, Greenville, Charlotte, and beyond.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Patients weighing 100 pounds over their ideal body weight are ideal candidates, as are patients with a BMI over 40. Patients who are overweight due to medical conditions are candidates once their BMI is over 35. Ideal candidates do not have any pre-existing conditions that would negatively affect the healing process and increase surgical risk.
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery is appropriate for patients who have failed to lose weight through traditional weight-loss programs. Candidates must free their schedule for the surgery and the recovery process. For optimal results, they must follow recovery instructions as closely as possible.
What Happens During the Consultation?
During your visit, we will discuss your weight-loss struggles and goals. Tell us about the different weight-loss methods you have tried and the results you experienced. Your medical history will be evaluated to ensure the procedure is safe. A physical examination will assess your health and determine if a laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery is the best treatment for you. We will create a surgical plan to help achieve your goals safely and efficiently. We will provide you with preparation and recovery instructions and discuss the details of your surgery. It is vital to ask any questions you may have before making a final decision.
The Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Procedure
The laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery will take one to two hours to complete. Anesthesia will be administered to prepare the patient for the surgery. Depending on the surgical plan, five to six small incisions will be created for the laparoscope and other instruments. The surgery will remove around 75% of the stomach and create a narrow gastric sleeve without removing any intestine. The incisions will be closed with sutures, and bandages will be applied to complete the surgery.
What to Expect After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
On average, patients lose 55–65% of their excess weight within a year of gastric sleeve surgery. Then, weight loss slows. Improve your long-term success by following recommended lifestyle changes, including eating healthily, exercising, and taking bariatric vitamins.
Like all surgical procedures, vertical sleeve gastrectomy carries some risk of complications, such as infection or bleeding. You can entrust your safety to the surgeons at REX Bariatric Specialists. We have performed hundreds of successful weight-loss surgeries with very low complication rates.
How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost?
At REX Bariatrics, we work with you to find the best option for covering the cost of your gastric sleeve surgery. Your health insurance provider may also cover the cost of your weight-loss procedure and the pre-surgical testing.
Why Choose REX Bariatric Specialists
At REX Bariatric Specialists, conveniently serving Raleigh and Cary, NC, our expert team of board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons offers nationally recognized care in minimally invasive weight loss surgery. We’re a designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, so you can be sure you’ll receive the highest standards of treatment and support throughout your weight loss journey. We’re committed to helping you achieve improved health and quality of life.
Support for Your Journey
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery in Raleigh can relieve many health problems linked to obesity, as can our other bariatric surgeries. Find out if you qualify for bariatric surgery, then learn how you can benefit from REX Bariatric Specialists’ thorough preparation for surgery and support during recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore our range of bariatric surgery options designed to help you meet your weight-loss goals.
Patient SUCCESS STORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve
How do I choose between laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery and a gastric bypass?
Both of these procedures are designed to help patients lose weight. Usually, a patient qualified for one procedure is qualified for both. This means the patient can choose the procedure they are comfortable with.
One of the main differences between the two procedures is that the gastric sleeve surgery has fewer nutritional concerns and minimal long-term complications after surgery. A gastric bypass has a greater risk of complications, which can make patients feel more reluctant to choose it.
Can I still get pregnant after surgery?
Absolutely, women can still get pregnant following laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery. However, it is highly recommended to delay pregnancy for at least two to three years for safety reasons.
Who is not a candidate for laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery?
This procedure is not recommended for patients who want to avoid anesthesia. Patients with serious psychological disorders are not candidates for this surgery. It is also not recommended for alcoholics and people struggling with drug addictions. Patients with serious heart disease, including severe heart failure, are not suitable for this surgery.
Will I still gain weight after a laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery?
Patients not committed to a post-surgery diet plan can regain some or even all of the lost weight. Because of this, it is very important to observe a healthy lifestyle to maintain weight-loss results.
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