Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Austin

The choice to undergo any weight loss surgery is a big decision. At B+A Surgeons, we will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your healthcare. 

At your first appointment, we will discuss all of your weight loss options—both surgical and non-surgical. If non-surgical options have proven unsuccessful in the past and you’re ready to discuss surgical treatments, we will take you through all of the surgeries we offer, including gastric bypass, modified duodenal switch (SADI), and gastric sleeve surgery. 

After you have a thorough understanding of all your options, we will have an in-depth discussion about the requirements, process, and realistic expectations for each procedure. Together, we will determine which surgery would be most effective for your lifestyle and treatment goals. 

Not everyone is a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery in Austin. We do not recommend bariatric surgery to patients who:

• Struggle with emotional eating
• Forget to take vitamins
• Have a poor diet
• Are not willing to commit to lifestyle and dietary changes
• Don’t have a good support system of people to help them through the process

To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and determine if it’s the right choice for you, contact our team at B+A Surgeons. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with more information on your treatment options.

In addition to gastric sleeve surgery, we offer the following weight loss surgeries in Austin: 

Gastric Bypass

During a gastric bypass procedure, we separate a portion of the stomach to create a small pouch for food to enter. The pouch is only large enough to hold a small amount of food. We then reattach the pouch to the central portion of the small intestine to bypass the lower part of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. 

By making the stomach smaller and rerouting the path for food, it decreases the amount of calories you absorb and helps you feel fuller sooner. It also works to increase fullness hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY, which decreases Ghrelin, a hormone that makes you hungry.  Type II Diabetes improvement occurs immediately postop.

Learn more about gastric bypass in Austin →

Modified Duodenal Switch (SADI)

The modified duodenal switch, or SADI procedure, is a combination of a gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. In the first part of this surgery, we remove a large portion of the stomach to restrict the quantity of food needed before feeling full (similar to a sleeve gastrectomy). 

In the second part of the surgery, we bypass a section of the small bowel to reduce calorie absorption (similar to a gastric bypass). 

This combination procedure helps to restrict food intake and also reduces the amount of calories you absorb from food. Modified duodenal switch surgery is best for individuals with severe obesity who haven’t had success with other weight loss methods. 

Learn more about modified duodenal switch surgery in Austin →

Gastric Band Removal

During a gastric band procedure, a surgeon places a silicone and plastic band around the top portion of your stomach to limit food intake. Unfortunately, studies have shown that this procedure is not effective for long-term weight loss.

If you have a gastric band and are disappointed by the results (or lack of results) you’ve seen, we know how frustrating that can feel. Our surgeons offer gastric band removal, and if desired, we can revise it with a more effective weight loss solution. 

Due to the poor results of the lap band, B+A Surgeons does not offer placement or adjustment of gastric bands. 

Learn more about lap band surgery in Austin →

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Anesthesia and incisions can cause complications with even the most straightforward procedure. The risk of complications is significantly decreased when an experienced and qualified bariatric surgeon is at the helm. If you want more information about the risks of gastric sleeve surgery, contact Cedar Park Surgeons, serving Austin. We would be happy to register you for a free bariatric seminar where you can meet our team and learn more about the surgery.

The risks of sleeve gastrectomy complications are extremely rare. The procedure is considered safe among bariatric specialists, in large part because it does not reroute the digestive tract, cause intestinal bypass, or affect the absorptive process. Gastric sleeve patients are able to absorb all nutrients as they did prior to surgery.

Complications from a gastric sleeve may include:

Sleeve leaking: If the patient consumes a large meal, the contents of their stomach may leak at the staple line, spilling into the abdominal space and causing serious infection. In this case, the patient would need to be hospitalized, treated with a strong dose of antibiotics, and scheduled for surgical revision of their “sleeve.”

Sleeve stricture: The “sleeve” of the stomach may constrict or narrow excessively, causing complications such as frequent vomiting after meals.

Blood clots: Patients may develop blood clots in their legs while they recover in the hospital after surgery. Compression garments and walking short distances may help prevent blood clots, which can be deadly if they travel up through the body to the lungs or brain.

Wound infection: If not properly cared for, the wound at the incision site could become infected. The chances of this are rare, especially if the patient complies with the instructions of his or her surgeon and nurse.

Hernia: The patient may develop a hernia (bulging of the abdominal wall) at the site of the incision; however, since Cedar Park Surgeons perform laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the incisions are smaller, and the risk of hernia is decreased.

Inadequate Weight Loss: The positive effects of a gastric sleeve procedure may be cancelled out if the patient does not follow a healthy dietary plan, exercise regularly, or make other necessary behavior modifications.

It is important to note that a sleeve gastrectomy is irreversible, since a large portion of the stomach is removed from the body.

Discussing the risks and potential complications of the sleeve gastrectomy procedure with a knowledgeable professional is the best way to make an informed decision. Our surgeons are always available to discuss any concerns that you may have. If you would like more information about the risks of the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, contact us. Our bariatric surgeons also host free seminars so that prospective patients can learn about our surgical weight loss options.

Undergoing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy requires an enormous amount of commitment—physically, emotionally, and financially. The cost may be a barrier for individuals who are considering surgical weight loss options but find themselves unable to finance their procedure. Cedar Park Surgeons understand the monetary concerns that bariatric surgery patients have, and we are happy to speak to our patients about the possibility of insurance coverage and other ways to finance their procedures. Learn more about the cost of a sleeve gastrectomy, and contact Cedar Park Surgeons, PA, serving the Austin area, to inquire about our financing options.

Qualified and experienced surgeons will not usually quote a price for bariatric surgery without conducting an in-depth consultation with prospective patients. During a consultation with our Cedar Park surgeons, Drs. Abando and Basa will review your medical history, discuss your surgical and non surgical weight loss options, and formulate a plan for moving forward. Once you’ve decided on an appropriate course of treatment, our surgeons will provide the exact cost of your procedure(s). Although patients may shop around for pricing, they should be aware that “cheaper” does not always translate to “better quality.” Underqualified or inexperienced surgeons may charge less but put the patient at higher risk of complications.

• Surgeon’s fees
• Facility fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Pre-operative laboratory and/ or X-ray fees
• Follow-up doctor appointments

The post-operative support program, including diet, exercise, and behavioral counseling, may not be included in the initial cost of sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Other additional costs may include pre-surgery tests, nutritional supplements, and any miscellaneous hospital charges.

There are ways to feasibly absorb the cost of gastric sleeve surgery. Our practice is in network with most insurance providers. Depending on the patient’s medical history, their insurance plan, the medical necessity of the surgery (as deemed by a physician), and other requirements that vary by providers, insurance may cover part or all of the costs of gastric sleeve surgery. Insurance companies consider a surgery medically necessary when the patient is suffering from a co-morbidity that significantly affects their health and well-being.

Our office staff is a tremendous asset for our patients while they work with their insurance plans to determine possible coverage. Each member of our staff has years of experience working with our bariatric surgery patients and obtaining coverage for gastric sleeve or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

CareCredit®

Our practice also accepts CareCredit®, a healthcare financing plan that offers low or no interest payment options. CareCredit® provides flexibility for patients who want to make small, monthly payments over a longer period of time.

To discuss the surgical cost and financing options of a sleeve gastrectomy in the Austin area, contact B+A. Our team would be happy to review the fees associated with the surgery, as well as the financing options that are available to our patients. We also host free bariatric seminars where you can meet our team and learn more about the surgery.

We require patients to lose 5–10% of their body weight prior to surgery. We do this to help ensure your long-term weight loss success. While surgery is a great tool to help start the process, it’s necessary to make lifestyle changes if you want to maintain weight loss long-term. 

Studies show that it takes months of consecutive performance before a behavior becomes a habit. At B+A Surgeons, you’ll meet with our registered dietician, who will give you a comprehensive diet and exercise plan to help you start incorporating healthy lifestyle changes before your surgery. 

B+A Surgeons specialize in performing minimally invasive procedures using the da Vinci Surgical System. Using this state-of-the-art technology, our surgeons operate with the assistance of the da Vinci robot for increased precision, faster recovery time, and less postoperative pain.

At B+A Surgeons, we believe that weight loss surgery should not be the last resort. However, it must be combined with proper diet and exercise.  It is a tool to help with long-term weight loss but must be accompanied by lifestyle changes.

In some cases, we are able to help patients lose weight with non-surgical measures. We offer comprehensive medical weight loss programs that we tailor to the specific needs of each patient. Depending on your goals, your program can include medication, nutrition guidelines, and lifestyle guidance for sustainable weight loss. 

Medications

There are several medications we can prescribe to help jump-start weight loss. This includes semaglutide, tirzepatide, MICB12, and Lipostat.

Meal Replacement Program

The B+A Meal Replacement program is an effective diet plan focused on providing your body with the nutrients it needs to lose weight quickly. In this program, you will follow strict meal modification and lifestyle plans to achieve significant results. Dedicated patients are able to achieve results on the level of what can be expected with gastric bypass surgery. 

Surgery is one tool we use, but it’s not the end-all solution for weight loss. We have created a comprehensive program that provides ongoing support, resources, and education to help you achieve long-term success.

Weight loss surgery is only an effective long-term solution with proper eating habits and lifestyle changes. Immediately after your surgery, you will be on a strict diet consisting of: 

• 2 days of clear liquids (water, broth, etc.)
• 2.5 weeks of full liquids (creamy soups, yogurts, etc.) 
• 2 weeks of blended or puréed foods (mashed potatoes, soft puréed foods, etc.) 
• 2 months of soft foods (eggs, cooked vegetables, etc.) 

After reaching the end of this progression, you can move to a regular diet (that follows your nutrition plan). It’s crucial to follow the instructions from your doctor to slowly incorporate regular foods back into your diet. 

After your surgery, it is also necessary to: 

• Stay away from alcohol for at least 1-2 years to ensure effective weight loss
• Stay away from carbonation and straws (can use one-way valved straws)
• Stay away from sugar, keeping meals to 5 grams of sugar or less
• Drink at least 64 oz of water and consume at least 80 grams of protein per day
• Take bariatric vitamins (we offer these in our office)

The short answer is no, you will not be able to eat any food you want after surgery. Successful results from weight loss surgery require major lifestyle adjustments and a consistent dedication to making healthy choices. 

After losing a significant amount of weight, it is common to notice loose skin. Several factors can influence the amount of loose skin you may have, including the amount of weight you lose, genetics, and your age. Because many of our surgical weight loss patients deal with this, we opened an entire medical aesthetics clinic dedicated to helping patients feel their best after weight loss surgery. 

If you want to tighten up loose skin, our medical aesthetics clinic is here to help!