Gastric sleeve is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery in the United States. If you are obese and considering gastric sleeve surgery to lose excess weight, you should schedule a consultation at a local bariatric surgery center.

Fortunately, for residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is not far. At our specialized facility, we perform gastric sleeve and various weight-loss surgeries. Our bariatric surgeon is one of the best in the area, and our staff is known for their friendly, compassionate, and supportive care.

To schedule a consultation at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery or ask questions about gastric sleeve surgery, you can contact us by phone at (205) 833-6907.

What You Need To Know About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve, otherwise known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a restrictive weight loss procedure. Restrictive procedures limit the amount of food a patient can intake. Less food consumed typically equates to fewer calories and results in weight loss for patients.*

Bariatric surgeons achieve restriction during gastric sleeve surgery by reducing the patient’s stomach size by two-thirds. At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, our bariatric surgeon, Dr. Jay C. Long, performs gastric sleeve surgery laparoscopically.

*Individual results may vary.

The Procedure

Dr. Long will make several small incisions in the abdomen through which he will complete the procedure. He and his team utilize specialty surgical instruments such as a laparoscope, a long, slender tool with a high-resolution camera fitted at the end.

During the procedure, Dr. Long will cut out a large portion of the stomach, approximately 80 percent, and permanently remove it. He will then staple the remaining stomach closed. The patient’s remaining stomach will be small and have a tube-like shape.

The Recovery

When bariatric surgeons perform gastric sleeve laparoscopically, patients tend to have an easier recovery. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that has many benefits, including smaller surgical incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery.

Gastric sleeve is an outpatient procedure. Most patients will not require a hospital stay and can return home to Chattanooga the same day.

Following your gastric sleeve surgery at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we will provide you with pain medication. We require our patients to follow a liquid diet short-term and recommend you follow a specialized diet plan long-term.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Near Chattanooga, TN

Gastric sleeve surgery is an excellent option for individuals who are obese or have been unsuccessful in their efforts to lose excess weight through healthy eating and exercise. Patients who have lost weight after the procedure report an improvement in their overall health and quality of life.

If you are interested in gastric sleeve surgery and would like to speak to a qualified bariatric surgeon, you can contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery by phone at (205) 833-6907. We offer one-on-one consultations with Dr. Long, our trusted bariatric surgeon, at our surgery center is located just two hours from Chattanooga, Tennessee.