Gastric Sleeve
At Balto Plastic Surgery, we offer a thoughtful and personalized approach to weight loss through laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery. This advanced procedure is designed for those seeking a long-term, meaningful transformation in both their health and well-being. Our team of experienced, board-certified surgeons brings a quiet confidence to each surgery, ensuring precise techniques and attentive care. With a commitment to both safety and comfort, we help our patients achieve their goals in a setting that is as supportive as it is professional.
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of bariatric surgery designed to promote lasting weight loss. It is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery in the United States, typically helping patients lose up to 25-30% of their total body weight within the first year of surgery.
Our Miami gastric sleeve procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach to limit food intake while preserving normal digestive system function. By reducing your appetite, weight loss surgery offers a highly effective treatment for obesity while improving obesity-related medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and others. In addition to helping you lose weight, this life-changing weight-loss surgery can also help transform your overall health. Our surgeons specialize in the gastric sleeve, which is performed using very small incisions, promoting a quicker recovery and return to your normal life.
On the day of your procedure, our skilled surgical team will guide you through each step, creating an experience that feels both seamless and calming. The gastric sleeve surgery itself typically takes between one and two hours, with general anesthesia ensuring your complete comfort. Using a small camera and specialized instruments, the surgeon carefully reshapes the stomach into a smaller sleeve-like structure, reducing its capacity. Most patients will spend 1-2 days in the hospital before returning home to continue their recovery in a comfortable, familiar setting.
With the gastric sleeve Miami patients get a particularly effective procedure addressing obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. By reducing excess weight, many patients experience a profound improvement in their health, enjoying relief from joint pain, enhanced mobility, and a more balanced lifestyle. Beyond the physical benefits, this procedure often serves as a starting point for long-term emotional and mental well-being, restoring confidence and vitality.
The benefits of gastric sleeve surgery in Miami extend far beyond weight loss. Patients enjoy a renewed sense of control over their health and well-being, with results that are both lasting and meaningful. The procedure offers minimal scarring due to its minimally invasive nature, and the recovery time is significantly reduced compared to more traditional surgeries. Patients often see improvements not only in weight but also in energy levels, mental clarity, and overall quality of life, creating a more harmonious balance between body and mind.
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery is ideal for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or for those with a BMI of 35 or more who also face obesity-related health concerns. If previous weight loss efforts have not provided the desired results, this procedure offers a clear, medically sound path forward. During your consultation at Balto Plastic Surgery, our team will take the time to understand your specific needs and goals, ensuring that you are an excellent candidate for this transformative surgery.
Recovery from gastric sleeve surgery is as thoughtfully guided as the procedure itself. Mild discomfort is expected during the first week, but our detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support ensure you feel confident every step of the way. The first few weeks focus on gradual dietary progression—from liquids to soft foods—allowing your body to adjust comfortably. Most patients return to regular activities within 2-4 weeks, and we remain available to monitor your progress, ensuring a smooth and assured recovery.
The results of gastric sleeve surgery are both profound and enduring. Within the first year, patients typically achieve significant weight loss, which continues to stabilize over time. Many see improvements in obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, while also enjoying greater energy and mobility. This procedure not only transforms your body but also enhances your quality of life, creating a balanced, healthier future.
Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are both types of bariatric surgery to promote weight loss, but they differ in approach and effects on the digestive system. In a sleeve gastrectomy, surgeons remove about 80% of the stomach, creating a smaller, tube-like stomach that limits food intake and reduces hunger. Gastric bypass, on the other hand, involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting part of the small intestine to connect directly to this pouch, reducing calorie absorption and food intake. While both procedures are effective, gastric bypass often leads to more rapid weight loss and has a higher impact on nutrient absorption, requiring more significant dietary adjustments and supplementation.
The surgery usually takes between 1-2 hours, depending on individual circumstances.
Most patients are able to resume light activities within 2-4 weeks, based on their recovery progress and the nature of their job.
Our Miami gastric sleeve patients typically lose 25-30% of their body weight (or, 60-70% of their excess weight) within 1-2 years after surgery, with continued health improvements following.
As with any surgery, there are risks involved, such as infection or digestive issues. However, our team works to minimize these risks through careful planning and post-operative care.
Yes. A specific diet will be recommended, starting with liquids and gradually transitioning to solid foods over several weeks to ensure proper healing and adjustment.
Scarring is minimal, with small incisions that typically fade over time, often becoming nearly invisible.
Yes. The gastric sleeve procedure can be combined with other weight loss strategies or cosmetic enhancements to maximize your results.
In rare cases where weight loss is less than anticipated, our team will work with you to explore additional treatments or lifestyle adjustments to help you reach your goals.
