Gastric Sleeve/Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure

How Gastric Sleeve Surgery Works

Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing approximately 70% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, tube-like “sleeve” between the esophagus and small intestine. Unlike other weight loss surgery procedures, this surgery does not involve bypassing any part of the intestine. The remaining stomach continues to process food normally, but its capacity is significantly reduced. Holding only about 3 to 4 ounces—approximately 10% of the original size.

The Procedure

The surgery is performed using advanced laparoscopic techniques, requiring only 5-6 small incisions in the abdomen. Through the incisions, trochars (small pen-shaped tubes) are used to insert a video camera and surgical instruments, allowing for precise alterations to the stomach. This minimally invasive approach results in safer, faster recovery with less discomfort and fewer complications.

The Weight Loss

With a significantly smaller stomach, you’ll feel full after eating less, naturally leading to reduced calorie intake. This calorie deficit encourages your body to burn stored fat for energy, resulting in continued weight loss.

This surgery also leads to beneficial hormonal changes, such as lowering the hunger hormone Ghrelin, which helps curb appetite. These changes not only support weight loss but can also improve diabetes, high blood pressure, and other obesity-related health issues.

The Recovery

After your surgery, Beltre Bariatrics will closely monitor your condition to ensure you can keep fluids down and ensure a smooth recovery. During this time, you’ll receive detailed guidance on what foods you can and cannot eat, specific exercise recommendations, and ongoing support and follow-up appointments to optimize your long-term weight loss journey.

Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

Gastric sleeve surgery is more than just a weight loss solution—it can rapidly improve your health, resolving many obesity-related conditions, such as:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure),
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Type 2 diabetes

Unfortunately, despite being linked to obesity, many of these conditions do not respond to diet-induced weight loss strategies alone.

While the link between the gastric sleeve procedure and the improvement of several health concerns remains unknown, it is believed to influence key gut hormones that help regulate appetite and metabolism (e.g., peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PPY), glucagon-like polypeptide-1 (GLP-1), incretins, and Ghrelin).

Expert Care With Dr. Wiljon Beltre

Losing weight can be challenging—even when you’re doing everything right. Sometimes, a surgical procedure like a sleeve gastrectomy is the best option to help you lose weight.

Dr. Wiljon Beltre, a board-certified surgeon at Beltre Bariatrics Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery, offers the sleeve gastrectomy as part of a comprehensive self-pay program to ensure this beneficial weight loss procedure is available to everyone who needs it.

Experience Effective Weight Loss Solutions in Florida

Significant weight loss is possible.

Considering the sleeve gastrectomy as a weight loss option can be life-changing, offering rapid and substantial weight loss alongside improvements in various obesity-related health concerns.

To take the next step toward reclaiming your health and vitality, contact us today for a consultation and personalized guidance on your weight loss surgery options in Orlando. Our team will guide you every step of the way to ensure you have everything you need to succeed.