Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Birmingham, AL

Gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of bariatric surgery. This surgery is a non-reversible procedure that promotes weight loss in patients who are obese or morbidly obese. The team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery performs gastric sleeve surgery at our facility in Birmingham, Alabama.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Near You

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we perform gastric sleeve surgery laparoscopically. Your surgeon, Dr. Jay C. Long, will create five small surgical incisions in the abdomen. He will use a laparoscope, a tube-like instrument fitted with a camera, to see inside the abdomen to perform the sleeve gastrectomy. This procedural method is beneficial because it results in less pain and faster recovery for patients.

Gastric sleeve surgery works by reducing the size of the patient’s stomach by about two-thirds. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes, and the result is a long, narrow banana-shaped stomach. By reducing the stomach size, patients will be limited in the amount of food they can consume. The intake of fewer calories will result in weight loss. Gastric sleeve surgery does not impact nutrient absorption. However, it may alter the hunger hormone that regulates appetite.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of gastric sleeve surgery?

We recommend patients do significant research before undergoing bariatric surgery. You should explore all your weight loss surgery options, weighing the pros and cons of each, and talking to a medical professional to find what is right for you. Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most frequently performed bariatric surgery in the United States, and for a good reason. There are many advantages, including:

It is a laparoscopic procedure, meaning patients can avoid large abdominal incisions and will benefit from less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
The surgery results in a normally functioning stomach that allows you to eat most foods in smaller portions.
The surgery does not involve cutting or changing your sphincter muscles, which allow food to enter and exit the stomach. Injury to these muscles can cause regurgitation and heartburn from acid back up into the esophagus. Additionally, during sleeve gastrectomy, the pyloric portion of the stomach remains untouched. This region helps to prevent rapid gastric emptying causing nausea, cramps, and diarrhea.
The procedure is less complicated than that of other weight loss surgery options, helping to avoid associated risks.
It avoids the use of foreign materials such as a gastric band or balloon.

As with all bariatric surgeries, there are some disadvantages to gastric sleeves. These include:

The stomach may stretch over time leading to late weight regain.
The procedure is not reversible.
It is not an option for patients with severe reflux disease.
The total amount of weight reduction averages 50-70% of excess weight loss over the first one to two years.
There is no malabsorption of nutrients.

How do I know if I qualify for a gastric sleeve?

The best way to know if you are a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery is to talk to a certified bariatric surgeon. Dr. Jay C. Long is a board-certified general surgeon, an award-winning laparoscopic surgeon, and is fellowship-trained in bariatric surgery. Dr. Long has been performing weight loss surgery since 2002 and is now a trusted surgeon at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery in Alabama.

If you are considering sleeve gastrectomy, contact BMI by phone at (205) 850-1973 or use our online form. Dr. Long will sit down with you for a one-on-one consultation at our facility in Birmingham, Alabama, to discuss your weight loss surgery options.

Additional Surgery Options in Birmingham

If you’re still exploring your options, we provide a full range of surgery procedures to suit your needs.