Gastric Sleeve in Knoxville

The gastric sleeve procedure is one of the most common bariatric surgeries performed in the United States.

The procedure is called a gastric sleeve because your bariatric surgeon creates a small pouch using a stapling device, separating your stomach into two sections, the small sleeve and the larger section. The larger section of your stomach is removed. This form of bariatric surgery is called “restrictive” which means it controls weight loss by physical restrictions of the stomach, versus a more “malabsorptive” method like the jejunoileal bypass which actually affects nutritional intake by changing where in your intestines the food gets absorbed.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, don’t hesitate to see an experienced weight loss surgeon. Patients in the Knoxville area can contact Premier Surgical today to schedule a consultation.

Benefits of the Gastric Sleeve

Operating Time – The gastric sleeve is a relatively quick and simple weight loss procedure. It normally takes about 60 to 90 minutes to perform, versus the gastric bypass which may be double that time.

Gradual Weight Loss – Weight loss after the gastric sleeve is seen over the course of 2 years, while gastric bypass patients may see rapid weight loss within the first year. For many, this means less complications and more of a natural weight loss feel.

Reduced Hunger – The larger portion of the stomach that is removed contains most of your “hunger” hormone, ghrelin. This leads to reduced hunger, which helps in reducing your calorie intake.

    Post-op and Recovery

    Day 1 – Gastric sleeve can be performed on an outpatient basis for appropriate candidates. Our Premier bariatric surgeons offer same-day laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at the Premier Surgery Center in Knoxville. Your surgeon will evaluate your overall health and pre-existing conditions to determine if you are healthy enough for a same-day procedure.

    Sleeve gastrectomy is also commonly performed in a hospital setting where you will remain in the hospital overnight after surgery. Pain and discomfort are very normal at this point because your anesthesia and medication begins to wear off. At this point, your doctor will use IV medication less and oral medication more, so that transition may also contribute to the pain. The staff may do some tests after the surgery to make sure everything went as expected before you can drink fluids or eat food.

    Days 2-3 – The pain is still manageable, but at this point you will be discharged from the hospital if you were an inpatient. For many people the pain may worsen due to the fact that you’re moving more and not bed-ridden, so it’s entirely normal for pain to get worse a few days after the surgery.

    You will be on a liquid diet for the first two weeks after surgery, then you will slowly start introducing soft and pureed foods. You’ll meet with the bariatric dietitian at one month post-op to discuss your diet advancement. Make sure you only eat the foods your bariatric team advises. You will want to mostly remain rested, as you will feel exhausted still. Once again, stick to your doctor’s guidelines.

    Weeks 2-4 – You can expect to be off work recovering for at least 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, your surgeon will access your progress and determine whether you are ready to resume restricted, sedentary work. All patients are restricted from heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks. It’s important to remember that your healing and recovery time will vary for each person. When your surgeon allows you to go back to work, it’s totally normal to feel too tried for work still. Pace yourself as you gradually return to your work routine.

    At this point your pain won’t be severe, but it’s still noticeable especially as you become more active and do more errands. Once again, you need to still be sticking to your bariatric team’s diet and activity guidelines.

    Our Bariatric Surgeons

    In the past 20 years Premier Surgical’s two board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dr. Mark Colquitt and Dr. K. Robert Williams, have helped thousands of people lose weight and lead healthier lives.

    Dr. Colquitt is with Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons and performs bariatric surgeries at Fort Sanders Regional near downtown Knoxville . Dr. Williams heads up New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery and offers procedures at Parkwest Medical Center in west Knoxville.

    To start your weight loss surgery journey view the free Foothills Weight Loss or New Life Bariatric informational Bariatric Seminar that is required for all new patients.