Overview
A smaller stomach, a healthier life.
Sleeve gastrectomy — sometimes called a "gastric sleeve" — is the most common weight-loss operation in the United States. Through five small incisions, we remove about 70–80% of the stomach along its greater curvature, leaving a narrow tubular pouch about the size and shape of a banana. The remaining stomach holds less food, empties more quickly, and produces less of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
The combination of restriction and hormonal change drives durable weight loss and powerful improvement of metabolic disease. Most patients lose 60–70% of their excess body weight in the first 12–18 months. Many come off medications for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Sleep apnea, joint pain, and fertility issues often improve. The intestines are not rerouted, so long-term vitamin deficiencies are less common than after gastric bypass.
Who is a candidate?
National guidelines support bariatric surgery for adults with a BMI of 35 or higher, or BMI 30 or higher with obesity-related disease such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea. We see many patients who have tried multiple structured programs, GLP-1 medications, and lifestyle changes without reaching a healthy weight. The pre-operative workup includes a nutrition visit, psychological evaluation, basic cardiac and endocrine clearance, and — for many insurance plans — a supervised weight-loss program. Patients with severe reflux are usually steered toward gastric bypass instead, because the sleeve can worsen heartburn.
How we perform it
Sleeve gastrectomy is performed under general anesthesia through five small incisions in the upper abdomen. After insufflation of the abdomen, we mobilize the greater curvature of the stomach, freeing it from its blood supply along the short gastric vessels. A long, narrow bougie is placed inside the stomach as a sizing guide. Using a surgical stapler, we divide and remove the outer portion of the stomach, creating a tube along the lesser curvature. The staple line is reinforced and tested for leaks. Most operations take 60–90 minutes.
Recovery
Most patients spend one night in the hospital. You'll walk the evening of surgery, sip clear liquids, and progress to full liquids by discharge. The post-operative diet advances through stages — liquids, pureed foods, soft foods, and solid foods — over the first 4–6 weeks under our dietitian's guidance. Pain is mild and usually controlled without opioids. Desk work is possible at 7–10 days; full activity, including exercise, at 2–3 weeks. You'll see us at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months in our Coral Springs office, then annually for life — vitamin levels and weight maintenance are tracked permanently.
Why Florida Surgical
Bariatric surgery is a long relationship, not a single operation. The surgeon who counsels you about whether sleeve or bypass is right, who performs your operation, who sees you in follow-up, and who is on the phone if something feels off — that should be the same surgeon. At Florida Surgical, it is. Dr. Shaw and Dr. Decio personally see every bariatric patient at every visit. We operate at five South Florida hospitals, coordinate with experienced bariatric anesthesia and nursing teams, and have an in-house dietitian who walks with you through the entire first year.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight will I lose after sleeve gastrectomy?
Most patients lose 60–70% of their excess body weight in the first 12–18 months. Maintaining that loss long-term depends on durable changes in diet and activity, regular follow-up, and treatment of any weight regain early rather than late.
Is sleeve gastrectomy reversible?
No. The portion of the stomach we remove is permanently gone. This is one reason we spend so much time choosing the right operation up front. A sleeve can be converted to a gastric bypass later if reflux becomes severe or if weight regain is significant.
Will my diabetes get better after a sleeve?
Most patients with type 2 diabetes see major improvement in blood sugar control. Many come off oral medications and a meaningful number off insulin. Patients with longer-standing or insulin-dependent diabetes improve less dramatically. Bypass is usually slightly better for diabetes; we discuss this in your consultation.
What's the difference between sleeve and gastric bypass?
Sleeve removes part of the stomach but leaves the intestine alone. Bypass creates a small pouch and reroutes a loop of small bowel. Bypass tends to produce slightly more weight loss and is better for severe reflux; sleeve is simpler with fewer long-term nutrient deficiencies. We help you choose based on your weight, health conditions, and goals.
Can I have a sleeve if I'm taking GLP-1 medication?
Yes. Many patients reach a plateau on GLP-1 medications — semaglutide, tirzepatide — or struggle with cost, side effects, or weight regain once stopped. Surgery offers durable, off-medication results. We coordinate stopping the medication safely before surgery to reduce anesthesia risk.