Gastric sleeve surgery

During your consultation, we’ll perform various screening tests to make sure you’re mentally and physically healthy enough for surgery. To help you feel at ease, we will explain what you can expect with the procedure and answer any questions you have.

Two weeks before surgery, we’ll put you on a personalized liquid diet. This will help you lose some fat around your abdomen and liver, which makes the procedure easier — and safer — to perform. We’ll also go over any instructions you need to follow leading up to surgery day. 

These recommendations may include: 

• Arranging for transportation home since you won’t be able to drive
• Creating a list of current medications and allergies
• Gathering your insurance information and a photo ID
• Fasting for at least 12 hours before your surgery
• Stocking up on the supplies you’ll need when you return home, including specific foods and drinks
• Stopping certain medications prior to the procedure

After checking you in and reviewing all your surgery details, we’ll give you general anesthesia, so you won’t feel or remember anything. Once your anesthesiologist assures us it’s okay to get started, your surgeon will make several small incisions to insert tiny tools and a small, lighted video camera (laparoscope). With a surgical stapler, we’ll then divide your stomach and remove the larger portion.  
 
The entire procedure typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Patients typically stay in the hospital for one to two days following the procedure for observation.

Once you go home, you can expect to feel more like yourself within a month. We encourage you to take 2–3 weeks off work to rest, heal and adjust to a new daily routine. You should also talk with your doctor before resuming exercise after surgery, but most people can return to moderate exercise within 2 to 4 weeks.

 You will need to follow a strict liquid diet for a few weeks after surgery to allow your stomach to heal. Then you’ll progress slowly from soft to solid foods. Taking small bites, eating slowly and completely chewing your food will help you avoid pain and vomiting.  
 
Remember, you can only eat small amounts, so choose the most nutritious options. 

After gastric sleeve surgery, you will need lifelong care. We’ll monitor your weight loss and overall health during frequent follow-up appointments the first year. After that, patients typically come in for an annual follow-up, but long-term resources like customized nutrition counseling, fitness coaching and behavioral therapy are always readily available.