What is Gastric Sleeve?

The sleeve gastrectomy is one of the procedures most commonly performed by Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Mark Colquitt of Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville. We want to help those considering weight loss surgery understand what a gastric sleeve is. It is a weight loss procedure that involves the removal of most of the left part of the stomach. What remains of the stomach (which is now reduced to the size and shape of a banana) is a narrow tube called a “sleeve”. This change in the stomach size restricts your food intake, helping you lose weight.

What can you expect during the surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is normally performed using the minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. You will have general anesthesia during the procedure, which means you will be asleep all throughout.

Your bariatric surgeon will make several incisions on your upper abdomen. He/she will insert the laparoscope (a special device that has a video camera and light at the end) and the small surgery tools in these incisions.

Using a laparoscopic stapler, the surgeon will divide your stomach, leaving a narrow, vertical sleeve. The part of the stomach that’s been removed will be taken out through one of the incisions.

To test for any possible leak, your surgeon may do a dye study or an upper endoscopy.

After the surgery

A sleeve gastrectomy may be performed as an outpatient procedure, or you may spend one night in the hospital. Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons offer sleeve gastrectomy at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and the Premier Surgical Surgery Center on Papermill Drive. Dr. Colquitt will evaluate which option is most appropriate for you.

After your surgery, you will be on a liquid diet for a week after surgery and gradually progress to soft proteins and then solid food. Since your stomach size is reduced significantly, you will need to adopt new eating habits. Our bariatric team will walk you through the process and help you understand your new nutrition requirements .

Who can benefit from this surgery?

You may benefit from this surgery if you are severely obese or with a BMI of over 40. You may also qualify for this surgery if your BMI falls between 35 and 40 and you have obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.

At Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville, TN, your first step to surgery is attending our FREE info series. The purpose of this seminar is to equip you with information about bariatric surgery and provide an opportunity to ask questions. In this way, you’ll make a more informed choice about your health.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, we are currently only offering our Bariatric Seminar online. It’s a safe, convenient option and can be viewed anytime, anywhere! To register for this seminar, please visit this link.

Gastric sleeve is covered by many insurance plans. However, if your insurance does not cover the procedure, we offer a packaged price for self-pay patients. Ask our team for more details.

Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. Foothills is affiliated with the Fort Sanders Regional Center for Bariatric Surgery, part of Covenant Health Bariatric Services.