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Surgical Weight Loss

Obesity is a chronic condition that is often hard to treat with diet and exercise alone. When your weight negatively impacts your health and limits your mobility, you might find yourself looking for another solution.

Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery can improve your overall health and change your life! Recommended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) above 40 (or 35 for those experiencing obesity-related health complications), bariatric surgery can result in a considerable amount of weight loss over a short period of time. Not only will you look better, but you'll feel better as you will dramatically reduce your risk of obesity-related health issues, like diabetes, heart and lung problems, stroke, sleep apnea, joint disease and many more.

What is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, commonly referred to as gastric sleeve, is a minimally invasive surgical weight-loss solution. With success rates equivalent to those of gastric bypass and greater than the adjustable band, gastric sleeve may yield drastic results in as little as a year's time. This laparoscopic surgery is found to have less risk than a gastric bypass, and unlike the adjustable band, does not require a foreign object to be inserted into your body.

Gastric sleeve surgery typically lasts around 90 minutes, with an estimated hospital stay of about 1.5 days. During the procedure, a thin, vertical, banana-sized sleeve of stomach is created and the rest of the stomach is removed. After surgery, patients should experience normal digestion but should feel full more quickly and have fewer feelings of hunger.

You may qualify for gastric sleeve surgery at St. Claire if:

  • You are at least 18 years of age AND
  • You have a BMI over 40


  • Your BMI is 35 or greater and you are experiencing negative obesity-related health effects, such as diabetes, heart and lung problems, stroke, sleep apnea, joint disease, etc.