Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Houston, TX

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
• 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 Surgical 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:

• Most patients go home the same day or after a stay of up to 1 day.
• 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
• Special dietary phases (liquid → pureed → soft → regular foods)
• Lifelong vitamin supplementation is required to avoid deficiencies

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 30 or higher with comorbidities
• Have a BMI of 35 or higher without comorbidities
• 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.

Risks of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Like any operation, it has risks. Serious complications are uncommon: according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the risk of death from bariatric surgery is about 0.1%, and the chance of a major complication is about 4%. Possible risks include:

• Bleeding, infection or a reaction to anesthesia
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• A leak from the staple line where the stomach was divided
• Narrowing of the sleeve, which can make it hard to eat or drink
• New or worse acid reflux (heartburn)
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies if supplements are not taken
• Gallstones during rapid weight loss
• Weight regain over time

To lower these risks, you will start walking soon after surgery, follow the diet stages closely, take your vitamins every day and keep your follow-up visits. Dr. Wadiwala will go over your own risks at your consultation. If you notice warning signs after surgery, such as a fever, severe pain or vomiting that does not stop, call us right away. See our discharge instructions.

Preparing for Surgery and Life Afterward

Our patient guides explain how to prepare for weight loss surgery, what to eat after surgery and what to expect in the first 12 months.

Gastric Sleeve Cost in Houston

If you have insurance, we check your coverage for free. We accept most major commercial plans, Medicare and Medicaid. If your plan doesn't cover weight loss surgery, or you would rather not wait on insurance, our self-pay gastric sleeve starts at $6,999 and includes:

• Surgeon and assistant surgeon fees
• Anesthesia
• Hospital fee
• Laboratory tests, X-ray and EKG
• Surgeon and nutritionist consultations for 1 year

Medications, vitamins and a psychological evaluation, which some patients need before surgery, are not included. The starting price rises with BMI and is subject to change or increase. Your exact price is confirmed at your consultation, and financing is available through Cherry and CareCredit.

Your Surgeon: Dr. Irfan Wadiwala

Dr. Wadiwala is board-certified in general surgery and completed a fellowship in laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He previously served as Director of Bariatric Surgery at CyFair Medical Center and is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). He operates at Houston-area hospitals including HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, St. Luke's Health – The Vintage Hospital, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and the Townsen Hospital System. Read Dr. Wadiwala's full bio.

Sleeve or Bypass?

A sleeve does not reroute the intestines, and it is often a good fit for patients without significant acid reflux. Gastric bypass is often recommended for patients with reflux or a higher BMI. Dr. Wadiwala will recommend the right operation for you at your consultation.

Keep reading: Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass and Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Surgery in Texas? Not sure if you qualify? Try our BMI calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions