CONTACT US
Fill the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
WHAT IS A SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY?
A sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss surgical procedure that removes about 75 to 80 percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach is a narrow, banana-shaped tube, or "sleeve," that holds a much smaller amount of food, so you feel full sooner. Removing this part of the stomach also lowers ghrelin, the hunger hormone. It is the most commonly performed bariatric operation in the United States. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, our bariatric surgeons perform it laparoscopically or robotically through a few small incisions, in partnership with the Baptist Center for Bariatrics.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Our bariatric surgeons, including Dr. Craig Morgenthal and Dr. Steven Hodgett, work alongside dietitians and psychologists who prepare you for surgery and support you for years afterward.
Most patients spend one night in the hospital and are walking the same day.
Before surgery you complete a preparation program with our dietitians, labs and any tests your insurance requires.
IS A SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY RIGHT FOR YOU?
WHO QUALIFIES
Guidelines from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) support surgery for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, and for some people with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 who have metabolic disease. Many insurance plans ask for a BMI of 40, or 35 with a health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, and proof that diet and exercise alone have not worked.
WHY PATIENTS CHOOSE A SLEEVE
The sleeve does not reroute the intestine, so food is absorbed normally and the risk of vitamin problems and dumping syndrome is lower than with a gastric bypass. It is a single operation with no implanted device to adjust.
WHEN A BYPASS MAY BE BETTER
A sleeve can cause new heartburn or make existing acid reflux (GERD) worse. Patients with severe reflux, a large hiatal hernia or long-standing type 2 diabetes are often better served by a gastric bypass. Your surgeon will help you choose.
RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT
Most patients lose about 25 to 30 percent of their total body weight, or more than half of their excess weight, over the first one to two years. Many see type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, joint pain and sleep apnea improve. Compare all options on our bariatric surgery page and in our guide to weight loss surgery options.
RISKS TO KNOW
Serious problems are uncommon. Possible risks include a leak along the staple line, bleeding, blood clots, new or worse reflux, narrowing of the sleeve and vitamin deficiencies. Lifelong vitamins and follow-up visits keep these risks low.
HOW THE SURGERY IS DONE
LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE
Through five or six small incisions, the surgeon uses a camera and a stapler to divide the stomach along its length. The surgeon removes the outer portion and checks the staple line for leaks. The operation usually takes one to two hours under general anesthesia.
ROBOTIC SLEEVE
The same operation can be performed with robotic assistance, which gives the surgeon a magnified 3D view and precise instruments. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that suits you best.
REVISION AND BAND CONVERSION
We see many patients who had a gastric band placed elsewhere. When a band causes reflux, regurgitation or weight regain, we can remove it and convert to a sleeve or a gastric bypass.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BEFORE SURGERY
You will meet with the surgeon, a dietitian and a psychologist, have blood tests and, when needed, an upper endoscopy. Many patients follow a low-calorie diet for about two weeks before surgery to shrink the liver. See our checklist for general surgery.
THE HOSPITAL STAY
You are up and walking a few hours after surgery. Our enhanced recovery (ERAS) approach helps control pain and nausea, and most patients go home the next day.
THE POST-OP DIET
Your diet moves in stages over about six to eight weeks: clear liquids, then protein shakes and full liquids, then pureed and soft foods, and finally regular foods in small portions. Protein comes first at every meal, and fluids are sipped slowly throughout the day.
RECOVERY AND LIFE AFTER
Most people return to desk work in one to two weeks and avoid heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. For long term success you will take a multivitamin, vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D for life, and see the bariatric team regularly.
OUR BARIATRIC SURGEONS
Sleeve gastrectomy at North Florida Surgeons is performed by board-certified surgeons including Dr. Craig Morgenthal and Dr. Steven Hodgett, working with the Baptist Center for Bariatrics.
SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY FAQS
How much weight will I lose after a sleeve gastrectomy?
Most patients lose about 25 to 30 percent of their total body weight in the first one to two years. Results depend on following the diet, staying active and keeping up with follow-up visits.
Is a gastric sleeve reversible?
No. The removed part of the stomach cannot be put back, so the sleeve is permanent. If needed, a sleeve can later be converted to a gastric bypass, for example because of severe reflux.
What is the difference between a gastric sleeve and a gastric bypass?
A sleeve removes most of the stomach but leaves the intestine as it is. A gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. A bypass is often preferred for severe acid reflux or long-standing type 2 diabetes, while a sleeve is simpler and has a lower risk of vitamin problems.
How long is recovery after gastric sleeve surgery?
Most patients go home the day after surgery and return to desk work in one to two weeks. Heavy lifting usually waits four to six weeks, and the staged diet takes about six to eight weeks.
Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
Yes. Most surgeons advise waiting 12 to 18 months, until your weight is stable, and telling your obstetrician about your surgery so your nutrition can be monitored.
Does insurance cover a gastric sleeve?
Many plans cover bariatric surgery when you meet BMI and health requirements, and some require a supervised diet program first. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office to check your coverage.
Will I still feel hungry after a gastric sleeve?
Most patients feel much less hungry in the first months, because the part of the stomach that makes ghrelin, the hunger hormone, is removed. Appetite slowly returns over time, so the eating habits you build in the first year matter most for keeping the weight off.
How do I schedule a sleeve gastrectomy consultation in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: bariatric surgery, hiatal hernia repair.
