David Oliak, M.D.
Orange County Weight Loss Surgery
255 W Central Ave, #101
Brea, CA 92821
2617 E Chapman Ave, #311
Orange, CA 92869
Phone: 714-582-2530
Fax: 714-582-2537
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LAP-BAND®  (mouse over for before photo) "I have lost 72 pounds and only have a few more to go!"  (mouse over for before photo) "My experience has been phenomenal!" Gastric Bypass  (mouse over for before photo) "Gastric bypass didn't just save my life, it gave me a better one." |
Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery in Orange County
The Sleeve Gastrectomy operation is a less invasive alternative to the Gastric Bypass operation. Compared to Gastric Bypass, the Sleeve Gastrectomy operation preserves more normal gastrointestinal function and is associated with less long-term risk (see below). Published studies show very good weight loss results, low complication rates, and a significant reduction in postoperative hunger (read more about outcomes after Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery).
To learn more about the Gastric Sleeve operation and our program we encourage you to attend a free, no-obligation informational seminar in Orange County with Dr. Oliak - call our office at 714-582-2530 or send us an inquiry form today!
Understanding the Gastric Sleeve Operation
The Gastric Sleeve operation involves removing a portion of the stomach as shown in the diagram above. Weight loss occurs for two reasons. First, the resulting small (approximate 50-100mL volume), narrow stomach restricts the amount of food that can be eaten. Second, the removal of part of the stomach decreases overall hunger level. The result of Sleeve Gastrectomy, therefore, is less overall hunger, and satiety after eating much smaller portions of food.
Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
The biggest advantage of Sleeve Gastrectomy is that the operation preserves the function of the pylorus (the sphincter at the bottom of the stomach), so the stomach can control emptying of food into the small intestine. This is the normal way the stomach functions. The advantage of this is that during a meal, the pylorus closes and the stomach fills, causing satiety.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Preserves More Normal Stomach Function
Sleeve Gastrectomy Reduces Hunger
Sleeve Gastrectomy is Minimally Invasive
Sleeve Gastrectomy is Lower Risk
Sleeve Gastrectomy is Effective
Sleeve Gastrectomy causes Medical Problems to Improve or Resolve
Disadvantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
The biggest disadvantage of Sleeve Gastrectomy is that most insurance companies do not yet cover it. This is beginning to change. Recently United Healthcare and Aetna started to cover Sleeve Gastrectomy. Also, because Sleeve Gastrectomy is a relatively new operation, long-term outcomes are not yet known (read more about outcomes after Sleeve Gastrectomy).
Am I a Candidate for Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery?
Candidates for surgery are generally at least 75 pounds overweight (BMI 35 or greater) and have tried and failed to lose weight numerous times in the past.
What is my BMI?
Hospital Course
Patients are admitted to the hospital the day of surgery. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery usually takes about one hour. General anesthesia is necessary and usually five incisions are required. Patients begin walking the day of surgery and begin drinking liquids the day after surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital 1-2 days after surgery.
Diet After Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
The postoperative diet consists of liquids and meal replacement drinks for 3-4 weeks. Patients then attend a nutrition class to learn how to transition off the liquid diet and to learn the rules of good nutrition and eating after Gastric Sleeve surgery. After the nutrition class patients transition slowly onto solid food.
Follow-Up After Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
Follow-up appointments are scheduled frequently during the first year after Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. Patients generally are seen at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months after surgery. After 1 year we generally see patients at 6 month or 1 year intervals.
Rules to Maximize Weight Loss after Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
Long-term success after all weight loss surgery is dependent upon maintaining good eating and exercise habits. The operation is a tool to help you to lose weight. To work well, the tool needs to be used appropriately. In general, the rules of surgery are as follows:
1. Eat 3-4 high protein meals per day
2. Don't snack
3. Limit your portion sizes
4. Exercise regularly
5. Obtain the support that will help you stay on track
Learn More about Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery!
To learn more we encourage you to attend a free, no-obligation informational seminar with Dr. Oliak - call our Orange County office at 714-582-2530 or send us an inquiry form today!