Patient Journey

From beginning to end, the journey for a patient undergoing bariatric care is full of changes. It will require persistence and discipline, but in the end, it is all worth it. Feel free to learn more about the patient journey.

What is a Gastric Sleeve?

During gastric sleeve surgery, small incisions are made in the upper abdomen. The majority of the left part of the stomach is removed to make the stomach smaller, which provides a number of benefits.  The remaining part of the stomach is a narrow tube. This tube is called a sleeve. 

After your surgical procedure, your digestive system will not change. The intestines and stomach will still operate the same way, but significantly less food will make your stomach feel full and leave you satisfied when you’re eating.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

NY and NYC gastric sleeve patients lose a significant amount of weight from their surgery and live longer healthier lives. In addition, they are supported by a team of experts that works to ensure each patient has a comfortable, positive, and supported journey from the first phone call to their success at hitting their health and weight loss goals. We have support groups that serve patients in Manhattan, Dutchess County, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Learn more about the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and how it is performed. Dr. Shawn Garber, MD is a nationwide leader in performing gastric sleeve surgery in NYC and NJ.

Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is a simpler procedure to perform than gastric bypass, resulting in lower complications and faster recovery times. With the sleeve, approximately 70-80 percent of your stomach is stapled off and removed, leaving a much smaller stomach behind. Because we are not changing the gastrointestinal tract, it decreases the chances of complications like vitamin deficiencies that occur with gastric bypass surgery. Patients can lose weight similar to gastric bypass surgery, over a significantly shorter time.

One reason our Long Island gastric sleeve surgery results are so positive is that we take out a section of your stomach that produces a hormone called Ghrelin. Ghrelin is known as the hunger hormone. It stimulates feelings of hunger, so when we remove this portion of the stomach, our patients find their hunger levels drop, and it is easier to eat less. Additionally, we are removing about 70 – 80% of your stomach so the stomach is able to hold a smaller volume of food. For this reason, patients tend to eat less and feel full more quickly.

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Additional Benefits

Another benefit of this surgery is that your stomach will continue functioning normally. As a result, you can still eat most of your favorite foods with no worries about suffering from dumping syndrome, which is characterized by abdominal discomfort and other related symptoms. You also do not have to worry about foreign bodies implanted in you, as with lap band surgery.

The New York Bariatric Group is proud to be among the first and only surgeons in the area that now offer virtually scarless single incision sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve surgery, performed entirely through the umbilicus. This results in improved cosmesis and quicker recovery when you choose sleeve gastrectomy. Ask your surgeon if you qualify for the new virtually scarless SILS sleeve gastrectomy.

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Positive Results

One reason our New York & New Jersey gastric sleeve results are so positive is when we do the operation, we take out a section of your stomach that produces a hormone called Ghrelin. Ghrelin is known as the hunger hormone. It stimulates feelings of hunger, so when we remove this portion of the stomach, our patients find their hunger levels drop, and it is easier to eat less. Additionally, we are removing about 70 – 80% of your stomach, so the stomach is able to hold a smaller volume of food. For this reason, patients tend to eat less and feel full more quickly.

Another reason patients like the sleeve surgery is that the stomach will continue to function normally. Because of this, you can still eat most of your favorite foods with no worry about suffering from a side-effect called dumping syndrome, which sometimes happens after gastric bypass surgery.

Dumping syndrome is characterized by abdominal discomfort and other related symptoms.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight-loss procedure in which the stomach is reduced to about 25% of its original size, by surgical removal of a large portion of the stomach along the greater curvature. The result is a sleeve or tube like structure. The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach and is irreversible.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Disadvantages Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

While the sleeve gastrectomy is generally very well tolerated, it has a slightly higher complication rate than the adjustable gastric banding procedure, due to the risk of leaks from the staple lines.

The gastric sleeve procedure is also irreversible. Any form of gastric surgery carries risks; we are happy to go over these with you and you may ask any questions you might have so that you can feel confident about your weight loss procedure decision.

We do these operations because when the patients are chosen carefully—and the surgeons are as experienced as the ones at New York Bariatric Group—the benefits outweigh the risks.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (Sils)

This is an advanced minimally invasive approach in which the surgeon operates exclusively via a single entry point through the “belly button.” Single incision sleeve gastrectomy surgery involves less pain and little or no scarring. Since there is no need to cut through the stomach muscle, recovery time is significantly shorter, while the cosmetic results are amazing. Most patients have no visible scars after this surgery.

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What Is Sils?

When a surgeon uses the SILS technique, it means they make one small incision in the belly button. This results in a surgery that is virtually scarless. Single incision Lap Band and sleeve gastrectomy surgery generally involve less pain and little or no scarring. The actual operation is the same as it is during a typical laparoscopic band or sleeve gastrectomy. The difference is just in the number of incisions made. SILS is different from a typical laparoscopic Lap Band or gastric sleeve, because in those operations our bariatric surgeons generally make about 5 small incisions. Although these operations are also considered minimally invasive and the scars are quite small, SILS gives an even more advanced option, which includes an often unnoticeable, single scar on the belly button.

Sleeve Gastrectomy in NJ & NYC

5 Port “Older Way” for Gastric Band Surgery

Single Port “New York Bariatric Group” Technique for Gastric Banding and Sleeve Gastrectomy

Why do we Offer Sils?

We offer SILS because at New York Bariatric Group, we believe a comprehensive weight loss surgery practice should provide patients with a wide range of choices for treating obesity. Thanks to the combination of our expertise, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled skills, we have achieved successful SILS gastric band and gastric sleeve results time and time again, and we can deliver these same results to you. Dr. Shawn Garber was one of the first surgeons in the US to use the Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery approach for Lap Band surgery. Seeing the level of success and patient satisfaction, he then adapted this technique for laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery as well. SILS minimally invasive gastric banding and gastric sleeve, offered by New York Bariatric Group, are amazingly innovative solutions for bariatric surgery. If you're looking for gastric sleeve surgery near you, Dr. Garber and New York Bariatric Group are an excellent option.

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Recovery

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery states that “after surgery, most patients return to work in one or two weeks. You will have low energy for a while after surgery and may need to have some half days, or work every other day for your first week back. Your surgeon will give you clear instructions.” Towards the end of the first four weeks, you can expect to resume eating solid foods and engaging in more strenuous exercise with the approval of your surgeon. During your recovery process, you should be performing light exercises such as gentle walks to stimulate blood circulation and speed your recovery.

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Why Choose NYBG

The New York Bariatric Group is a team of acclaimed, highly-skilled bariatric surgeons. Our surgeons will determine the most effective type of surgery for your body, health, and wellness. We work with our patients to ensure that they are well on the road to success before surgery so that they are truly ready and able to achieve their weight loss goals.

Next Step

We are happy to go over the risks and benefits of the sleeve procedure with you, so you can ask any questions you have and ultimately feel confident about your weight loss procedure decision. If you're looking for gastric sleeve gastrectomy near you, it's good for you to know that most insurances will cover the gastric sleeve. Our insurance experts will verify your benefits for you free of charge. If you do not have insurance coverage, we can explain financing options for you.

Thanks to the combination of our expertise, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled skills, we have achieved successful gastric sleeve results time and time again, and we can deliver these same results to you. Gastric sleeve gastrectomy is just one of many options you have for bariatric surgical procedures. Contact the New York Bariatric Group at 800-633-THIN to learn more.

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Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy: FAQ

Those who are considering undergoing weight loss surgery have many questions and concerns. We have offered some basic information about the gastric sleeve, and answers to some of the most common questions patients are asked about the procedure.

Is the gastric sleeve better than gastric bypass surgery?

Will I maintain the weight loss after a gastric sleeve surgery?

How much weight will I lose with a gastric sleeve?

How long after gastric sleeve surgery can I get pregnant?

Is the gastric sleeve better than gastric bypass surgery?

The gastric sleeve is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery, in which a new connection between the stomach and small intestine is surgically created. The gastric sleeve also has fewer potential complications, and patients are not faced with the ongoing issue of nutrient deficiencies. Even with these positives, some patients are not candidates for this procedure, or have a physical condition that makes gastric bypass a better option.

Will I maintain the weight loss after a gastric sleeve surgery?

Research has shown that patients undergoing this surgery lose about 60 percent of their excess weight, on average. Even more weight can be lost if you carefully watch your diet and engage in a regular exercise program. As the stomach tissue is naturally stretchy, it is important that you do not overeat after your surgery.

You will have lost a significant quantity of weight, very quickly, and will then “plateau.” Making it through this period is one of the most critical points in maintaining weight loss. You may add more exercise to your weight loss regimen to continue to lose weight. What you consume makes a difference – it is advised that you track what you consume and avoid sugary, fatty foods as a lifestyle change.

How much weight will I lose with a gastric sleeve?

Most patients are reported to lose about 60 percent of the excess weight. Even with such a dramatic loss of weight many people want to lose even more, which can be accomplished without much difficulty by following a strict exercise and diet plan.

How long after gastric sleeve surgery can I get pregnant?

It is often recommended to allow at least 12 to 18 months to sufficiently recover before becoming pregnant. Women often become much more fertile once they have lost weight and are nearer to their ideal weight.

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Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

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Samantha

Lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

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Eileen

Lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

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Brittany

Lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

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Desiree

Lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

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Note: A BMI of 30 – 34.9 or BMI 35 – 39.9 with no comorbidities qualify for lap band but is usually not covered by insurance.

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