Sleeve Gastrectomy New York

Take Control of Your Health

For individuals who struggle with weight issues, feeling comfortable and confident on a daily basis can prove quite difficult. At times it can seem like there is no solution. The experienced bariatric surgeons at Winthrop Surgical Associates believe that everyone is entitled to lead a happy, healthy life, which is why they have dedicated themselves to providing patients with the safest, most effective weight loss treatments available. They understand the negative physical, psychological, and medical influence that obesity can have on a patient’s life. Dr. Collin Brathwaite and his staff are pleased to offer the latest bariatric treatments, including gastric plication and sleeve gastrectomy, to New York patients who wish to take control of their weight and take charge of their lives. If you have struggled with your weight and are considering bariatric surgery, take the first step toward a healthier life and contact Winthrop Bariatrics today. We have three convenient locations, serving Nassau County, Suffolk County, and surrounding areas.

What Is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight loss procedure that actually removes a portion of the stomach, limiting the amount of food that a patient can consume on a daily basis, and in turn promoting weight loss. The procedure gets its name because it uses a stapling device to create a thin “sleeve” of stomach. Once this has been created, the remaining part of the stomach is actually removed from the body. Therefore, unlike the LAP-BAND® procedure and other bariatric surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible. One of the benefits of this procedure is that the digestive tract is not disrupted, allowing nutrients to be fully absorbed into the body following the procedure. Patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy not only experience significant weight loss, but also decrease their risk for serious illnesses such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes.

How Is Gastric Plication Different?

Gastric plication is similar to sleeve gastrectomy in that it is a restrictive weight loss procedure which actually reduces the size of the stomach. Rather than use a stapling device to alter the size of the stomach, gastric plication involves suturing a large portion of the stomach, so it is folded in on itself. After the procedure, the stomach is about 30 percent of its original size, and patients will feel full much quicker than before the procedure. In addition, gastric plication does not involve the removal of any portion of the stomach, and is therefore a reversible procedure. This is ideal for patients who are apprehensive about more permanent treatment options. Since it does not involve any stapling devices, it is more economical for those patients who have to pay out of pocket if their insurance does not cover the procedure.

The Procedure

Despite their key differences, the gastric plication and sleeve gastrectomy procedures performed at Winthrop Bariatrics in New York are actually very similar. These restrictive weight loss treatments are performed using a laparoscope, a small surgical camera that is inserted into the stomach to be referenced throughout the procedure. Dr. Brathwaite will make a series of small incisions on the abdomen before inserting the laparoscope. Once this is complete, he makes alterations to the stomach. In the case of sleeve gastrectomy, Dr. Brathwaite uses surgical tools to staple the stomach and then removes the remaining area. During gastric plication, he actually uses stitches to reduce the size of the stomach. The entire procedure takes less than two hours, with initial recovery expected in a few short days. It should be noted, however, that certain lifestyle changes are necessary in order to achieve full results and avoid complications after sleeve gastrectomy or gastric plication. Full recovery and adjustment to these changes will take place in the weeks and months following the procedure.

The Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery and subsequent weight loss can have a tremendous effect on your emotional and physical well-being. New, laparoscopic procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric plication are safer and less invasive than ever before. In addition to helping patients regain their health, these procedures offer the following benefits:

• Up to 55 percent of excess weight loss
• Faster recovery time due to laparoscopic method
• Reduced risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea
• Long life expectancy
• Increased comfort and energy
• Increased self-confidence
• Cost-effective due to decreased prevalence of other health problems

Contact Winthrop Surgical Associates Today

Bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric plication can result in significant weight loss and drastically improve your overall health and well-being. The experienced surgeons at Winthrop Surgical Associates are dedicated to giving you the results you deserve in the safest manner possible. To learn more about advanced bariatric procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy, contact our New York practice today.