What is a gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy)?
How a sleeve gastrectomy works to help you lose weight:
During this procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is about the size of a banana. This procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. It allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.
Laparoscopic Technique
The majority of weight loss sleeve gastrectomies performed today use a laparoscopic technique, which is considered minimally invasive. Laparoscopic surgery usually results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures. The length of time of the surgery varies. My operation takes about one to one and a half hours.
After Surgery
After surgery, patients are monitored at The New Iberia Surgery Center for four to five hours. Patients usually return to normal activities in 2 weeks and are fully recovered in 3 weeks.
Post Operative Patient Care
Dr. Borland’s patients receive the utmost attentive care as Dr. Borland has over thirty years of experience in service of Bariatric Surgery and Wound Care; providing unique post-operative care to his patients with one-on-one follow-up visits. Dr. Borland guarantees his patients receive a visit from him without having to leave the comforts of their room, so Dr. Borland does promise to make local house calls. Patients traveling to Dr. Borland for a gastric sleeve procedure can rest in their hotel room comfortably assured that Dr. Borland will provide a follow-up visit to them in person. While this is an outpatient procedure, patients can expect a duration of 2-3 days rest following the procedure.
What are some risk factors and pre-op requirements for gastric sleeve surgery?
Most people who come to Dr. Borland have been struggling with obesity for many years. People can be obese for decades without suffering from all the co-morbid conditions, but in many cases, patients develop many metabolic and medical problems caused by obesity. Risk factors for gastric sleeve include male gender, age over 45, BMI greater than 50, hypertension, and a history of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or PE (Pulmonary Embolus). Although these are risks, they do not automatically disqualify you from having gastric sleeve surgery, but patients with fewer risk factors are less likely to suffer complications after surgery. In order to find out you are a candidate for surgery, call our office and speak to Nikki or Marion at 337-364-0809. They will be happy to answer your questions. We understand that this decision can feel overwhelming and confusing, we will be there every step of the way to guide you and make you feel at ease.
Our pre-op requirements include an initial examination, which Dr. Borland conducts do in his New Iberia private practice. Dr. Borland also requires prior clearance by other specialists, such as a cardiologist, that may be deemed necessary. Other incidental needs, as well as blood and routine tests, including CBC, Chem 12, UA, chest X-ray, and EKG, may be requested by Dr. Borland.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you will need to have your CPAP machine with you when you come for surgery.