The Bariatric Weight Loss Center at Northeast Georgia Medical Center offers minimally invasive options for long-term weight loss including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, also commonly referred to as the gastric sleeve. Gastric sleeve is a less invasive option than gastric bypass as it simply reduces the size of the stomach limiting the amount of food consumed at meal time and does not involve re-routing the intestines like in the gastric bypass surgery. As with all surgical weight loss options, commitment to a healthy lifestyle is necessary to achieve sustained weight loss.
How Surgery Can Impact Your Overall Health
In addition to losing approximately 60-70% of excess body weight, the benefits of gastric sleeve include reduce healthcare costs and improved quality of life. Many patients with type 2 diabetes see an improvement of their condition after gastric sleeve. The procedure can also reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening health problems, including:
- Heart disease and stroke
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Cancer
Clinical studies of bariatric and metabolic surgery patients found that they felt better, spent more time doing recreational and physical activities, benefited from enhanced productivity and economic opportunities, and had more self-confidence than before surgery.
Understanding the Procedure
During a gastric sleeve surgery, small incisions are made on the abdomen, and tiny cameras and specialized instruments are used to perform the procedure. 70-80% of the patient’s stomach is removed creating a smaller stomach that is secured with staples. The remainder of digestive system is left untouched allowing for normal digestion and absorption.
Food passes through the stomach and into the small intestine the same way it did before surgery. The newly created tube or sleeve shape limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and reduces the production of hunger hormones, helping you feel full with less food – facilitating faster weight loss.
Diets only got you so far. So did exercise. But you’re not out of options.
If you’ve suffered from obesity for several years, have tried to lose weight before without success, or have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more with associated obesity-related medical problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.
Why Choose the Bariatric Weight Loss Center at NGMC?
The multidisciplinary team at NGMC includes experienced, board-certified surgeons, medical weight loss doctors, certified bariatric nurses, registered dietitians and other support staff dedicated to your success. Our surgeons have performed more than 9,000 bariatric surgical procedures and the first robotic gastric bypass surgery in the state of Georgia. As a leader in innovative techniques and complex cases, we offer the most advanced treatment options and support services that ensure safe and effective results.
Begin Your Journey Today
There are three ways to get started:
- Watch our patient education video to learn about the options offered at NGMC.
- Connect with us using our short online form.
- Call 770-219-0446 to speak with a member of our team.