Gastric Sleeve

About 50% of all weight loss surgeries are gastric sleeve. At Odessa General Surgery Robotics in Odessa, Texas, Judith Birungi, MD, specializes in bariatric surgery, performing the gastric sleeve procedure using minimally invasive tools and techniques. Are you considering gastric sleeve surgery? Call Odessa General Surgery Robotics today or schedule an appointment online.

What is a gastric sleeve?

Gastric sleeve, also called a sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). It helps people lose weight by reducing the size of their stomachs so that they eat less. The procedure also removes the part of the stomach that releases hunger hormones, reducing the desire to eat.

Gastric sleeve is the number-one bariatric surgery in the United States. It’s less invasive than other bariatric surgeries. It’s done on people with health problems that disqualify them from other weight loss procedures.

I have weight-related health problems. Am I a candidate for gastric sleeve?

After a consultation, Dr. Birungi determines if you’re a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery. You must meet specific criteria to qualify for the procedure. These criteria include:

• Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• BMI of 35 or higher with weight-related health problems
• History of being unable to lose weight with diet and exercise

Before proceeding with the surgery, you must meet with other health professionals, including a psychologist and a dietitian.

Gastric sleeve surgery permanently changes the size of your stomach, so you must be emotionally and mentally prepared for the lifestyle change that comes with it. Those changes can include significant differences in how and what you eat.

What happens during gastric sleeve surgery?

Dr. Birungi customizes your gastric sleeve surgery plan and reviews the details with you at your presurgical consultation. When possible, she uses minimally invasive techniques like robotic surgery when performing the procedure.

For the gastric sleeve procedure, Dr. Birungi makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a camera and surgical instruments. She removes the outer portion of your stomach, leaving behind a banana-like tube for your stomach

After removing the camera and surgical tools, she closes the incisions and sends you to the recovery room. Most people go home the same day as their gastric sleeve surgery. But some will have you stay overnight for continued monitoring.

The procedure takes 60-90 minutes.

What can I expect during recovery from gastric sleeve surgery?

Recovery following gastric sleeve varies, but most people need to take a month off from their usual activities. During this time, you must follow a rigorous diet so that your stomach heals correctly. 

Following gastric sleeve surgery, you could lose up to 25-30% of your body weight during the first two years.

Call Odessa General Surgery Robotics today or book an appointment online to learn more about gastric sleeve surgery.