WHAT IS GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY?
Explore how our doctors can help you address your health concerns efficiently.
Sleeve gastrectomy
Also known as gastric sleeve surgery, it is a type of bariatric surgery designed to help with weight loss. Here’s an overview of how it works and the potential complications:
Meet Your Surgeons

Dr. Jean-Pierre
After his general surgery training in Chicago, Dr. JP began his fellowship with a concentration in bariatrics at the Morehouse School of Medicine through Atlanta Medical Center. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons.

Dr. Menachery
Dr. Menachery is board certified by the American Board of General Surgery. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, and the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons.

Dr. Hall
Dr. Hall is board certified by the American Board of General Surgery that specializes in both Bariatric and General Surgery. She received her education and training for Emory University.

Dr. Major
Dr. Major is board certified by the American Board of General Surgery. He is also a member of the American College of Surgeons and the Southeastern Surgical Congress.

Dr. Renee
Hilton
Dr. Hilton is Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. She is board certified by the American Board of General Surgery and specializes in bariatric and foregut surgery. She completed a fellowship in Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Yale University.

Dr. Aaron Buldoc
Dr. Bolduc is board certified by the American Board of General Surgery and specializes in bariatric, foregut and adrenal surgery. He completed a fellowship in Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Jaine McKenzie
Dr. McKenzie is board certified by the American Board of General Surgery and specializes in bariatric and foregut surgery. She completed a fellowship in Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Vanderbilt University.
How It Works
Procedure:
- The surgery is typically performed laparoscopically, which involves making several small incisions in the abdomen.
- About 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size and shape of a banana.
- This smaller stomach limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner.
- The part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin is also removed, which can help reduce appetite.
Average time for surgery:
The average time for a gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, typically ranges from one to two hours. This duration can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the surgeon’s experience.
Recovery:
- Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 day after the surgery.
- Full recovery usually takes about 4-6 weeks, during which patients gradually transition from a liquid diet to solid foods using the post-operative dietary guidelines.

Potential Complications:
Common Risks:
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites.
- Bleeding: There can be bleeding during or after the surgery.
- Blood Clots: There’s a risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Specific to Sleeve Gastrectomy:
- Staple Line Leaks: There is a rare risk of leaks where the stomach has been stapled.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Some patients may develop or experience worsening GERD.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Because the stomach is smaller, patients may not absorb nutrients as effectively, leading to possible vitamin deficiencies.
Long-term Considerations:
- Weight Loss Expectations: On average, patients who undergo gastric sleeve surgery can expect to lose about 50% to 70% of their excess body weight within the first year. Over a period ofthree years, many patients maintain this weight loss, achieving up to 60% or more of their excess weight loss.
- Weight Regain: Some patients may regain weight if they do not adhere to dietary and exercise lifestyle changes.
- Gallstones: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones.
FAQS About Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
A gastric sleeve is a weight loss surgery option for bariatric patients. During this surgery, part of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach is formed into a banana-shaped stomach, which is considered a sleeve by practitioners.
After this operation, the patient’s stomach is roughly one-tenth of the size that it was originally. Like other weight-loss surgeries, making the stomach smaller is an ideal way to help the patients control and monitor the amount of food they eat.
A gastric sleeve should not be confused with gastric bypass; this is a different weight-loss operation that bariatric patients can choose.
For those fighting the battle of losing weight, gastric sleeve surgery near Cobb County, Marietta, Smryna, Austell, LaGrange, and West GA may be life changing. The procedure reduces the stomach size, helping individuals lose long-term weight by limiting food intake and controlling hunger. Wellstar Comprehensive Bariatric Services, one of the area's largest and most trusted healthcare providers, offers expert weight loss solutions. From leading surgeons to comprehensive post-surgery programs, you can look forward to overall better health and an improved way of living.
Not only does gastric sleeve surgery help an individual lose a tremendous amount of weight, but it can also resolve conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Many patients share personal success stories of their weight loss journey, which highlight significant health improvements and life-changing benefits. Many patients also tend to find the procedure helps boost their energy, improve mobility, and increase well-being for further healthier living. This transformational surgery marks a pivotal point in the weight loss journey, re-routing patients toward a healthier lifestyle.
Why Choose Wellstar for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
When considering gastric sleeve surgery, you must choose an experienced, trusted provider. Here at Wellstar, we have a team of expert gastric sleeve surgeons, who will be with you every step of the way, providing the best care with full dedication. We offer personalized weight loss through surgery, ensuring that each patient receives the optimal treatment for their individual needs. Along with state-of-the-art facilities, our impressive history of successful outcomes reflects our ability to offer trusted treatments with lasting health benefits through weight loss surgery.
We offer personalized weight loss through surgery, ensuring that each patient receives the optimal treatment for their individual needs, helping them lose weight effectively. Along with state-of-the-art facilities, our impressive history of successful outcomes reflects our ability to offer trusted treatments with lasting health benefits through weight loss surgery.
From pre-surgery consultation to post-surgery support, our team at Wellstar walks hand in hand with you through every stage. We understand that every patient travels a unique path, and we will be here to help you succeed in the long run for a healthier and happier life by providing effective gastric sleeve surgery. Our services are also available near Cobb, Austell, Smyrna, Marietta, and West GA. We ensure you stay informed every step of the way, from initial examinations and surgery to recovery and follow-up care.

Patient Success Stories
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Federal Guidelines for Healthy Weight
- Underweight. Your BMI is less than 18.5.
- Ideal Weight for Your Height. Your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.
- Overweight. Your BMI is between 25 and 29.9.
- Obese. Your BMI is 30 or greater.
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