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Medical weight loss refers to supervised weight management programs that utilize a combination of medical assessments, dietary guidance, exercise plans, and sometimes medications to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
91%
Worth it Score
based on 10,000+ reviews
9.1/10
Safety
based on 50,000+ surgeries
$12,000-$25,000
Estimate Cost
based on national avg
Introduction
Gastric sleeve surgery has become one of the most popular bariatric procedures worldwide due to its effectiveness and relatively simpler mechanism compared to other weight-loss surgeries.
Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure permanently removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow "sleeve" or tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. The surgery is typically performed laparoscopically through several small incisions. By reducing stomach capacity and removing the portion that produces hunger-stimulating hormones, it helps patients feel full faster and longer while decreasing appetite. Most patients lose 50-70% of their excess weight within 12-18 months.
Key Details
✅ Duration: 1-2 hours
✅ Overnight Stay: 1-2 days
✅ Recovery Time: 2-4 weeks (full recovery)
Candidates
✔ Adults with BMI ≥40, or ≥35 with obesity-related conditions
✔ Those who have struggled with weight loss through traditional methods
✔ Non-smokers committed to permanent lifestyle changes
✔ Patients without severe GERD (may be better candidates for bypass)
✔ Individuals willing to follow long-term dietary guidelines
Cost
Average: $15,000-$20,000
Factors Affecting Cost:
Surgical approach (laparoscopic vs robotic)
Geographic location and facility type
Surgeon's experience and credentials
Pre-operative testing requirements
Insurance coverage (when applicable)
Benefits
Significant weight loss (50-70% of excess weight)
No intestinal rerouting (simpler than bypass)
Reduced hunger hormones (ghrelin reduction)
Improvement in obesity-related conditions (diabetes, hypertension)
Lower risk of nutritional deficiencies compared to bypass
Shorter operation time than gastric bypass
Risks & Safety
Potential Risks:
Staple line leakage (rare but serious)
Blood clots
Vitamin deficiencies (though less common than bypass)
Heartburn or GERD
Stretching of the sleeve over time
Excess skin after weight loss
Safety Measures:
✔ Choose a board-certified bariatric surgeon
✔ Complete comprehensive pre-op evaluations
✔ Follow strict post-op diet progression (liquid to solid foods)
✔ Take recommended vitamin supplements
✔ Attend all scheduled follow-up visits
✔ Incorporate regular exercise as approved by your surgeon