How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work? The Basics of Sleeve Gastrectomy
Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) involves removing a significant amount of stomach tissue so the stomach is reduced in size to a small tube or sleeve. When the size of the stomach is reduced, patients require less food to feel full. Meanwhile, the reduction can trigger hormonal changes in the body that contribute to additional weight loss and the improvement of weight-related health conditions.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, an estimated 160,609 people received gastric sleeve surgery in 2022.
Our Bariatric Expert Discusses the Life-Changing Gastric Sleeve Procedure
The Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Appetite Suppression
Gastric sleeve surgery involves reducing the stomach to less than half of its original size. A smaller stomach will result in you feeling full after eating less food, gradually producing healthy weight loss.
Minimal Scarring
Because Dr. Matthew St. Laurent is a surgeon who prefers to operate laparoscopically, the scarring from the surgery is minimal. The procedure only requires four or five small incisions in the abdomen that are less than half an inch long.
Improved Health
As you lose weight after your gastric sleeve surgery, obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more can improve.
Life-Changing Weight Loss
Within a year, many patients lose around 65–70 percent of their excess body weight, if not more. A healthier body and slimmer figure can help you take on the world with improved energy and confidence.
Let's Get Started
Dr. Matthew St. Laurent has been serving patients who struggle with their weight since 1998. If you are considering a gastric sleeve, we invite you to request a consultation with us today. During a consultation at our Houston bariatric surgery office, Dr. St. Laurent will conduct an exam and determine if a gastric sleeve or another procedure is right for you. Your weight loss surgery can be scheduled as soon as possible. To request a consultation, please fill out our online form or call:
(281) 921-1890
“A pleasure to work with.”
“I am 8 weeks post gastric sleeve. I feel good and I am very pleased with all of the care and guidance I receive from Dr. St. Laurent. I cannot say enough positive things about the dieticians and the quality of the aftercare at this practice. I can call any number of people including Dr. St. Laurent and gets answers and guidance anytime, which is important with such a life changing procedure. The entire team has been a pleasure to work with.” Cammie Parish
Watch Our Surgeon Perform Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Dr. St. Laurent's Team Elevates Patient Results
Dr. St. Laurent is one of the most experienced surgeons in our area. His vast experience and skill are complemented by an incredible team.
Our surgeon conducted an exhaustive search to ensure that his support staff at Northwest Endosurgical is top-tier. His team includes bariatric-trained dietitians, professional counselors, and a board-certified internist/pulmonologist.
This outstanding group of bariatric professionals allows Dr. St. Laurent to provide comprehensive treatment to his patients. His philosophy is that obesity is a disease and not a condition. By understanding obesity in this way, our practice can take a holistic approach to gastric sleeve surgery and supporting care.
Inspiring Before & After Transformations
These are just two examples from our surgeon's long career helping patients shed excess weight through sleeve gastrectomy.
Houston, Texas, Chooses Us
Efficient and easy to work with; the staff makes the complete experience smooth, pleasant and each are so supportive. Dr. St. Laurent is a gem and so easy to talk to, he listens! Go see the team...you will be happy you did!
View on Google
Staff is extremely friendly and prompt. Dr st. Laurent is very knowledgeable spends lots of time with you and answers any questions you have. You won't be disappointed
View on GoogleTake the First Step
Into a New Era of Health and Happiness
Dr. St. Laurent has performed more than 6,000 advanced laparoscopic procedures. This cutting-edge technique minimizes risks and scarring while expediting recovery. To discover how our Houston surgeon can give you the same results he provided for the patients above, simply reach out to us to request your private consultation:
How Much is
Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery falls in the mid-price point of bariatric surgeries. It costs less than gastric bypass surgery but slightly more than gastric band surgery. Pricing will vary but can be as low as $335 per month, thanks to our financing plans.
What Makes
A Good Candidate?
This is what we look for when we meet with candidates in our Houston office:
Failed Weight Loss Efforts
The gastric sleeve, like any bariatric surgery, is only recommended when consistent diet, exercise, and weight loss medications have been unable to treat weight issues.
Severe Obesity
A BMI of 40 or higher would put you in this category. Genetic factors can play a role in causing extreme obesity and can make it incredibly difficult to overcome weight issues without medical intervention such as a gastric sleeve.
Weight-Related Conditions
If your BMI is under 40, you may still be a suitable candidate for a gastric sleeve if you suffer from major health conditions caused by your weight, such as type 2 diabetes.
Reflux and Esophageal Disease
Too much acid reflux can make a gastric sleeve the wrong decision. This is because the new shape of the stomach can worsen reflux. Similarly, certain esophageal diseases can be exacerbated by a gastric sleeve. If you suffer from these conditions, a gastric bypass should be discussed instead.
Check Your BMI
Gastric Sleeve Timeline What to Expect
Dr. St. Laurent has performed over 3,000 gastric sleeve procedures, making it the most commonly performed procedure at our practice.
Find Out If Gastric Sleeve Is Right for You
Dr. Matthew St. Laurent has dedicated his life to providing solutions for people struggling with obesity and weight-related conditions.
Having performed thousands of bariatric procedures, Dr. St. Laurent has the experience to determine if the gastric sleeve is the right option for you and to provide results that help you enter a new chapter of health and happiness in your life. To request a consultation with the doctor, call or contact us online today.
(281) 921-1890
Houston Recommends Dr. St. Laurent
I visited Dr. St. Laurent to go over issues I have that have developed over time. The office is beautiful and the staff that I worked with were wonderful. Dr. St. Laurent sat down and listened to my issues. He did not give me the impression he had any other patients- I was the number one and only focus during my visit. He explained my issues as well as did a really good drawing to make sure I understood. Highly impressed.
View on GoogleThe team at Northwest Endosurgical is amazing... Dr. St. Laurent made me very confident and comfortable during and after the procedure. The dieticians are excellent. They are very patient and supportive. The team stands out by providing accountability and care, without shaming. The entire staff works in sync with you and the rest of the team. What else is there to write; they may have helped save my life.
View on GoogleWe Offer Hormonal Treatment As Part of Our Lifelong Commitment to Our Patients
The use of hormones to encourage weight loss and regulate weight is effective for many bariatric patients. Dr. St. Laurent has been administering hormonal treatment for over 15 years. In fact, he was the first Biote® hormone provider in all of Houston.
Biote is a pioneering company in the field of hormone therapy. By administering personalized Biote prescriptions, Dr. St. Laurent can optimize your hormones as a way to help you manage your weight after receiving your gastric sleeve. Biote therapy can also improve energy, mood, sleep, and mental acuity.
During a consultation, you and Dr. St. Laurent can explore this option as a means of achieving a healthier weight.
Non-Invasive Body Contouring
After Bariatric Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed to achieve dramatic weight loss. When weight loss occurs very quickly, it can leave a newly slender patient struggling with some excess skin.
Our practice offers advanced body contouring with cutting-edge InMode technology. This contouring system allows us to tighten your body without additional surgical procedures. We proudly offer this service to patients so they can enjoy the effects of weight loss to the fullest.
Exploring Revision Weight Loss Surgery
Revision weight loss surgery converts your current bariatric surgery into another procedure. You may be a good candidate for revision weight loss surgery if:
- You're experiencing complications, you've regained your weight, or you're not achieving the results you've envisioned.
- Your gastric sleeve is causing acid reflux or expansion of the stomach. In this case, converting the sleeve to a gastric bypass or duodenal switch may be the best option.
- Your LAP-BAND® has slipped or loosened over time. In these cases, Dr. Saint Laurent can remove the LAP-BAND and convert you to a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
The best way to know your options and determine the path forward is to request a consultation with Dr. St. Laurent at Northwest Endosurgical.
“Above and beyond.”
“Dr. St. Laurent and his staff go above and beyond ANY physician I have ever been to. I have had 2 in office visits and each time Dr. St. Laurent has been patient, thoroughly goes in detail his recommendations and you don't feel rushed. I have only had the pleasure of dealing a few of the staff and they all are very personable and treat you like so much more than just a patient. I highly recommend Dr. St. Laurent to ANYONE.”
Sarah Briggs
FAQ About Gastric Sleeve
Is gastric sleeve surgery painful?
Our Houston, Texas, team administers general anesthesia so patients are unconscious and comfortable throughout their surgeries. While you may experience some abdominal discomfort and pain around your incisions in the weeks after your surgery, it can be managed with pain medication. Any discomfort is temporary and should only last a few weeks.
Does insurance cover bariatric surgery?
Some plans do. Our team can confirm if your insurance will cover your treatment and determine what the requirements are before moving forward with your care. Our Houston office accepts most insurance plans. If your insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery, we also accept financing plans so that life-changing surgery is always within reach.
Are there potential complications?
Complications from gastric sleeve surgery include abdominal leaks, infection, bleeding, and nutrient deficiency. If you experience a fever, intense pain, nausea, vomiting, breathing issues, or other serious symptoms, reach out to us. Patients are always welcome to contact our Houston, Texas, office if they have a question or think they are experiencing a complication.