Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve
Conveniently located to serve Raleigh, NC
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a popular weight loss procedure that allows you to lose on average 50 to 60 percent of excess weight. Our experienced surgeon perform all of our weight loss surgery using laparoscopy. This allows for a faster recover, small incisions, and less discomfort.
How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works
In a sleeve gastrectomy, our surgeons remove about 85 percent 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 offices locations include Raleigh, Wake Forest, Garner, and Cary. We reach patients throughout the region by telemedicine, from Wilmington, Greenville, Charlotte and beyond as a destination center for bariatric surgery.
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Testimonials
REX Bariatrics helped me to get my life back. I was at rock bottom when I came to the practice. My PCP was just telling me to “eat less and move more”. He was not “seeing me or hearing me”. Dr. Sharp understood from day one that I was asking for and needing “help” and got me on their program, explained the different surgeries, helped me understand I had a disease and helped me regain my self confidence. Now years later, I have a new life.
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 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 that the procedure is safe for you. A physical examination will be conducted to 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 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 used.
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 percent 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. Make meal planning easier with our bariatric recipes.
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. They 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 to cover the price of your gastric sleeve surgery. Your health insurance provider may potentially cover the cost of your weight-loss procedure and the pre-surgical testing.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 who is qualified for one procedure is qualified for both procedures. This means the patient can choose the procedure they are comfortable with.
One of the main differences between the two procedures is that gastric sleeve surgery has fewer nutritional concerns and minimum long-term complications after surgery. A gastric bypass has a greater risk of complications, which can make patients feel more reluctant to choose it.
Will I still gain weight after a laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery?
Patients who are not committed to a post-surgery diet plan can gain back some or even all of the weight lost. Because of this, it is very important to observe a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain one’s weight-loss results.
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.