Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

At the Sansum Clinic Bariatric Surgery Center, we offer a full range of life-changing weight-loss surgery options, including sleeve gastrectomy (also called vertical sleeve or gastric sleeve surgery). Our board-certified surgeon, Marc Zerey, MD, performs the procedure laparoscopically, which may offer a host of benefits, such as less pain and scarring, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy involves the stapling of the stomach to create a thin vertical sleeve, which then empties into the small intestine. Approximately 75% of the stomach is removed, limiting caloric intake and promoting weight loss. Gastric sleeve surgery produces not only a smaller reservoir to hold less food, but it effectively restricts the flow of food to the intestines, leading to earlier and longer-lasting feeling of fullness. Because a portion of your stomach is removed, this procedure is not reversible.

Benefits and Expected Weight Loss

Gastric sleeve surgery has been has proven to be a reliable solution for major weight loss. Generally, patients lose around 60 percent of their excess weight, and, like gastric bypass, the procedure offers more immediate results compared to adjustable gastric band surgery. Gastric sleeve is usually safe, offers significant improvement in weight-related medical problems (like type diabetes and high blood pressure) and allows for long-term maintenance. Results vary, though, and as with all weight loss procedures, success is dependent on making and maintaining important lifestyle changes, as well as regular follow up appointments with Dr. Zerey.

Risks of Surgery

Risks of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy include deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and iron; metabolic bone disease due to the lack of calcium in the diet; and chronic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Could Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Work for You?

Sansum Clinic is proud to offer our nationally recognized Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® to the Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Ventura and Bakersfield communities we love to serve.

If you think you may be a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery, join us for a free orientation, hosted by Dr. Zerey. Call (805) 898-3472 or save your spot at an upcoming weight-loss surgery orientation.