Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery removes up to 70% of your stomach, giving you a new sleeve-like stomach that holds much less food. At Barnes Bariatric Surgical Solutions, premier bariatric surgeon Greg Barnes, MD, has decades of experience performing this surgery. Dr. Barnes and the team use a unique approach, one that’s rooted in patient education, honesty, realistic expectations, and always aiming for optimal outcomes. To learn more, call the Fort Worth or Plano, Texas, office or schedule your appointment online.

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a bariatric weight loss procedure. This surgery involves removing as much as 70% of the stomach. The remaining stomach is a thin tube, about the size of a banana. 

After gastric sleeve surgery, your stomach can hold just a small amount of food. You feel satiated faster, and it’s easier to shed weight quickly. 

Who qualifies for gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve is for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. This is medically defined as morbid obesity. Many people also have Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and other weight-related conditions. 

If you have a history of trying to drop extra pounds through nonsurgical means but don’t find success, gastric sleeve surgery could be right for you. 

Gastric sleeve isn’t a magic bullet. It’s not a replacement for healthy eating and exercise. Dr. Barnes explains to patients that a commitment to a healthy lifestyle is crucial, including being active, eating properly, and taking multivitamins. 

If you qualify for surgery, you get access to the Barnes Bariatric Surgical Solutions team nutritionist before and after surgery to help you succeed. You also have regular followups with Dr. Barnes. 

Does gastric sleeve surgery lead to GERD?

Many people with chronic acid reflux and heartburn (GERD) experience a significant improvement after gastric sleeve surgery. However, about 15-20% have more severe symptoms after surgery. About 10% of patients experience GERD as a new complication after surgery. 

If you have severe GERD after gastric sleeve surgery, Dr. Barnes can treat it through lifestyle, medication, or revisional bariatric surgery (conversion to gastric bypass). 

How are gastric sleeve and gastric bypass different?

Gastric bypass doesn’t remove part of your stomach. It staples it off to make a new stomach pouch. It includes rerouting part of your digestive system. 

Gastric sleeve doesn’t reroute your digestive system, but it does surgically remove a big part of your stomach.

Another difference between the two surgeries is the success rate. On average, gastric bypass patients lose about 75-80% of their extra body weight (many 100%). Gastric sleeve patients lose around 60-70% of extra weight on average (some up to 100%). 

Choosing the right one for you depends on your health, medical history, goals, and other personal factors. 

Call Barnes Bariatric Surgical Solutions or book your consultation conveniently online.