We began performing the sleeve gastrectomy approximately seven years ago. Dr. Beltre is one of the first surgeons to perform this procedure in Central Florida, and the only surgeon offering the sleeve in Seminole County.

The sleeve gastrectomy consists of removal of 70% of the stomach. The part of the stomach removed is called the fundus. The fundus is a part of the stomach that stretches to accommodate a lot of food. This allows an individual to eat large amount of foods before feeling full. The fundus also makes a hormone call ghrelin. Ghrelin controls our appetite. The less ghrelin in our bodies, the less hungry we feel. Removal of the fundus causes a dramatic decrease in appetite. Therefore, the sleeve gastrectomy achieves two things, ability to eat small meals, and control in hunger.

Unlike the gastric bypass, there is no bypass of stomach or intestines, and there is no dumping syndrome with the sleeve gastrectomy. Long term nutritional deficiencies occur with less frequency and monthly vitamin B12 injections are not needed.

The sleeve gastrectomy has many advantages; it can be done faster and safer than the gastric bypass. It has a proven weight loss profile similar to the bypass. The sleeve gastrectomy is perfect for patients that do not want to alter their anatomy, and do not want a permanent implanted device like the band.

The only disadvantage with the sleeve is that it is new and we do not know if patients will regain their weight over the years. So far patients that had the procedure done 5 to 7 years ago have kept their weight off. I believe the sleeve gastrectomy is an excellent procedure, and is being performed in the USA with more frequency. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, patients can achieve optimal weight loss with the sleeve. Please come to one of our Seminars at South Seminole Hospital near Orlando. Watch a video on how the sleeve is performed and let us answer any questions you may have regarding this weight loss alternative.