If diet and exercise alone haven’t brought the lasting results you’re looking for, sleeve gastrectomy may be the safe and effective solution to help you achieve sustainable weight loss.

At Houston Weight Loss, fellowship-trained and board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Irfan Wadiwala specializes in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This minimally invasive procedure helps patients lose up to 70% of their excess body weight within the first year while improving obesity-related health conditions.

Call (281) 653-6544 or schedule a consultation online today to learn if sleeve gastrectomy is the right step toward a healthier, more confident you.

What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy, also called gastric sleeve surgery, is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive bariatric procedure. During this surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch.

This new pouch:

• Significantly reduces food capacity
• Helps you feel full with smaller portions
• Decreases appetite by lowering hunger hormone (ghrelin) production
• Supports steady, long-term weight loss

Unlike other weight loss procedures, sleeve gastrectomy does not involve rerouting the intestines, making it a simpler yet highly effective option for many patients.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Choosing sleeve gastrectomy comes with important advantages:

• Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure
• High success rate with long-term weight loss
• Improves or resolves obesity-related conditions (diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension)
• No implanted devices (unlike Lap-Band®)
• No rerouting of the intestines (unlike gastric bypass)
• Reduced hunger due to decreased ghrelin production

For many patients, these benefits make sleeve gastrectomy a powerful tool for lasting weight management.

What to Expect During the Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure

At Houston Weight Loss, Dr. Wadiwala uses advanced laparoscopic techniques to ensure minimal pain, faster healing, and reduced scarring.

Step-by-step process:

• Small incisions are made in your abdomen.
• Surgical tools and a laparoscope are inserted.
• Approximately 70–80% of the stomach is removed.
• The remaining stomach is shaped into a narrow sleeve or tube.

This smaller stomach pouch reduces food intake and naturally lowers appetite, helping you achieve weight loss without rerouting your digestive tract.

Recovery After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Because the surgery is minimally invasive, most patients recover quickly and safely.

What to expect:

• Many patients go home within 24–48 hours
• Small incisions heal faster, minimizing downtime
• Return to light activities within 1–2 weeks
• Resume normal routines in 2–4 weeks
• Long-term weight loss begins within the first few months

Patients typically experience less pain, fewer complications, and a smoother recovery compared to more invasive procedures.

Is Sleeve Gastrectomy Right for You?

You may be a candidate for sleeve gastrectomy if you:

• Have a BMI of 40+, or 35+ with conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea
• Have not achieved significant weight loss with diet and exercise alone
• Are committed to long-term lifestyle changes
• Want a permanent solution without implants or intestinal rerouting

During your consultation, Dr. Wadiwala will carefully review your medical history and weight loss goals to determine if sleeve gastrectomy is your best option.