Woman smiling outdoors with gastric sleeve surgery

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

If you are living with obesity and can't seem to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, it may be time to consider bariatric surgery.

The gastric sleeve procedure is one of the most popular and most effective weight loss surgeries in modern bariatrics.

At Northwest EndoSurgical serving Houston, Texas, we help patients lose weight with the gastric sleeve. Could it be right for you?

​How Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Work? The Basics of Sleeve Gastrectomy

image depicting how gastric sleeve works

Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) involves removing a significant amount of stomach tissue so the stomach is reduced in size to a small tube or sleeve. When the size of the stomach is reduced, patients require less food to feel full. Meanwhile, the reduction can trigger hormonal changes in the body which contribute to additional weight loss and improvement of weight-related health conditions.

​The Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Appetite Suppression

Gastric sleeve surgery involves reducing the stomach to less than half of its original size. A smaller stomach will result in you feeling full after eating less food, gradually producing healthy weight loss.

Minimal Scarring

Because Dr. Matthew St. Laurent is a surgeon who prefers to operate laparoscopically, the scarring from the surgery is minimal. The procedure only requires four or five small incisions in the abdomen that are less than half an inch long.

Improved Health

As you lose weight after your gastric sleeve surgery, obesity-related health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and more can improve.

Life-Changing Weight Loss

Within a year, many patients lose around 60-70 percent of their excess body weight, if not more. A healthier body and slimmer figure can help you take on the world with improved energy and confidence.

Let's Get Started​

Dr. Matthew St. Laurent has been serving patients who struggle with their weight for over 20 years. If you are considering a gastric sleeve, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us today. During a consultation at our office in Houston, TX, Dr. St. Laurent will conduct an exam and determine if gastric sleeve or another procedure is right for you. Your weight loss surgery can be scheduled as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation, please fill out our online form or call:

(281) 921-1890

our team
Our weight loss team proudly serves Greater Houston, TX.

"​I'm so thankful."

"I had the Gastric Sleeve procedure on 9.8.2016. I have lost 92 pounds to date and still losing. For the first time in a long, long time I feel like I have control over my food consumption and addiction instead of it controlling me. I can't begin to tell you how much this procedure and this journey has changed me as a person both mentally and physically. This was a major decision in my life and I'm so thankful I had Dr. St. Laurent as my doctor. I wish I could give him more than 5 stars!" Tracy Mross, 5-Star Review

Our Bariatric Expert Discusses the Life-Changing Gastric Sleeve Procedure

Houston patients are often reassured by the way Dr. St. Laurent clearly explains his procedures. In less than two minutes, he describes the benefits and advantages of the gastric sleeve. This procedure is especially popular for its simplicity and swift recovery. After your gastric sleeve, you can begin working within the week and lose more than two-thirds of your excess weight in the first year. 

Watch Our Surgeon Perform Gastric Sleeve Surgery

With a gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, Dr. St. Laurent can remove a major portion of your stomach before reshaping it into a much thinner, tube-like sleeve. This reduces hunger and allows you to feel more full with less food. The video above showcases our Dr. St. Laurent's immense skill at performing laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery. 

Dr. St. Laurent's Team Elevates Patient Results

woman having consultation

Dr. St. Laurent is one of the most experienced surgeons in our area. His vast experience and skill are complemented by an incredible team. 

Our surgeon conducted an exhaustive search to ensure that his support staff at Northwest Endosurgical is top-tier. His team includes bariatric-trained dietitians, professional counselors, and a board-certified internist/pulmonologist. 

This outstanding group of bariatric professionals allows Dr. St. Laurent to provide comprehensive treatment to his patients. His philosophy is that obesity is a disease and not a condition. By understanding obesity in this way, our practice is able to take a holistic approach to gastric sleeve surgery and supporting care. 

Inspiring Before & After Transformations

These are just two examples from our surgeon's long career of helping patients shed excess weight through sleeve gastrectomy. 

Why Houston, Texas, Turns to Us

1

Lisa Villarreal

2022

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Dr. St. Laurent and his staff are an amazing group of individuals, he explained everything in detail, took very good care of me even the nurses in the hospital were amazing. he is a great doctor !!!!

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1

Deborah Moon

2022

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Dr St Laurent and his team are the best, they always take their time, and you never feel rushed. Highly recommend!

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How Much is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery falls in the mid-price point of bariatric surgeries. It's less than gastric bypass surgery but slightly more than gastric band surgery. Pricing will vary but can be as low as $335 per month, thanks to our financing plans.

Gastric Sleeve Timeline What to Expect

Consultation

During a consultation with Dr. St. Laurent, he will conduct an examination and recommend if he thinks bariatric surgery is right for you. He will cover all possible risks, costs, and necessary lifestyle changes. If you and the doctor decide gastric sleeve is the best choice, your procedure can be scheduled.

Preparation

In the two-week period leading up to your surgery, Dr. St. Laurent's dietitians will recommend a dietary program for you, which will include low-carb foods and protein shake supplements. He may also advise you to stop taking certain medications or forgo smoking and alcohol.

Anesthesia

When you come in for your weight loss surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia, so you will be totally unconscious during the procedure.

Incision

Dr. St. Laurent will make several small incisions around one-fourth to one-half of an inch in length in the abdomen. The surgeon will insert a laparoscope, or tiny camera, through one of these small incisions to broadcast images to a nearby video monitor. These images will guide Dr. St. Laurent in performing the operation.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

The surgeon will remove a sizable section of stomach tissue, reducing it to less than half of its normal size. The remaining stomach tissue will be a thin, vertical “sleeve,” which is then stapled shut. Dr. St. Laurent will then remove all of his surgical tools and sew the incisions closed.

Recovery

To reduce the chances of serious complications after bariatric surgery, it is important to follow our recovery instructions very carefully. A patient manual will be provided. Your diet will be restricted for around one month after surgery. In the beginning, you may consume only liquids and will gradually add solid foods back into your diet over time. You will also need to minimize the amount of food you eat at one time. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids during the recovery period to avoid dehydration and avoid constipation.

Weight Loss

As you recover from bariatric surgery and eventually resume normal activity, you will become full after eating less food. As your body absorbs fewer calories, you should experience dramatic weight loss in the first year. For the healthiest possible results, it is important to eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly.

What Makes 
A Good Candidate?

This is what we look for when we meet with candidates in our Houston office:

Failed Weight Loss Efforts

The gastric sleeve, like any bariatric surgery, is only recommended when consistent diet, exercise, and weight loss medications have been unable to treat weight issues. 

Severe Obesity

A BMI of 40 or higher would put you in this category. Genetic factors can play a role in causing extreme obesity and can make it incredibly difficult to overcome weight issues without medical intervention such as a gastric sleeve.

Weight-Related Conditions

If your BMI is under 40, you may still be a suitable candidate for a gastric sleeve if you suffer from major health conditions caused by your weight, such as type 2 diabetes. 

Reflux and Esophageal Disease

Too much acid reflux can make a gastric sleeve the wrong decision. This is because the new shape of the stomach can worsen reflux. Similarly, certain esophageal diseases can be exacerbated by a gastric sleeve. If you suffer from these conditions, a gastric bypass should be discussed instead.

Find Out If Gastric Sleeve Is Right for You

Dr. Matthew St. Laurent has dedicated his life to providing solutions for people struggling with obesity and weight-related conditions.

Having performed thousands of bariatric procedures, Dr. St. Laurent has the experience to determine if the gastric sleeve is the right option for you, and to provide results that help you enter a new chapter of health and happiness in your life. To schedule a consultation with the doctor, call or contact us online today.

(281) 921-1890

Northwest Endo Surgical Center

Houston Recommends Dr. St. Laurent

1

Cammie Parish

Houston, TX

2022

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I am 8 weeks post gastric sleeve. I feel good and I am very pleased with all of the care and guidance I receive from Dr. St. Laurent. I cannot say enough positive things about the dieticians and the quality of the aftercare at this practice. I can call any number of people including Dr. St. Laurent and gets answers and guidance anytime, which is important with such a life changing procedure. The entire team has been a pleasure to work with.

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1

Joby Joseph

Houston, TX

2023

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The team at Northwest Endosurgical is amazing. A summarization of their practice could be, "We Care, and We'll Help You Get There". They are very good at what they do. Dr. St. Laurent made me very confident and comfortable during and after the procedure. The dieticians are excellent. They are very patient and supportive. The team stands out by providing accountability and care, without shaming. The entire staff works in sync with you and the rest of the team. What else is there to write; they may have helped save my life.

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We Offer Hormonal Treatment As Part of Our Lifelong Commitment to Our Patients

The use of hormones to encourage weight loss and regulate weight is an effective solution for many bariatric patients. Dr. St. Laurent has been administering hormonal treatment for over 14 years. In fact, he was the first Biote® hormone provider in all of Houston. 

Biote is a pioneering company in the field of hormone therapy. By administering personalized Biote prescriptions, Dr. St. Laurent can optimize your hormones as a way to help you manage your weight after receiving your gastric sleeve. BioTe therapy can also improve energy, mood, sleep, and mental acuity. 

During a consultation, you and Dr. St. Laurent can explore this option as a means of achieving a healthier weight.

BioTe pill in hand
InMode Technology

Non-Invasive Body Contouring
​After Bariatric Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is performed to achieve dramatic weight loss. When weight loss occurs very quickly, it can leave a newly slender patient struggling with some excess skin. 


Our practice offers advanced body contouring with cutting-edge InMode technology. This contouring system allows us to tighten your body without additional surgical procedures. We proudly offer this service to patients so they can enjoy the effects of weight loss to the fullest.

Gastric Sleeve  or Gastric Bypass?

There are many different forms of weight loss surgery, but the most well-known are gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery. Both are effective in helping patients lose weight, and both have similar recovery times and potential complications. The best surgical option for you is based on a variety of factors, including your weight and what underlying health conditions you have (for example, patients who suffer from acid reflux are better served by gastric bypass).

When you come into our Houston, TX, area office for your bariatric consultation, Dr. St. Laurent will help you determine which weight loss procedure is right for you.

Real Patient Reviews "It was the best decision of my life!"

"I finally decided to have the gastric sleeve surgery done, and picking a doctor to do it was a big decision for me. I spent about 3 years researching gastric sleeve doctors and gastric sleeve patients stories. I finally decided to book my appointment with Dr. St Laurent.... as soon as I met him, I knew I had to look no further. He was a very nice guy, he explained everything about the procedure in detail and answered any questions / doubts that I had..... I knew I was in good hands!! I got my surgery on 2/2/17 and it was the best decision of my life!! I have had no complications with my surgery, everything has been great!! I am excited for my new life/journey and I am so grateful to Dr. St. Laurent for giving that to me!! Not only is Dr. St. Laurent the best doctor, his staff is the best!! You guys are awesome!!!" Viviana Gonzalez, 5-Star Review
Dr. Matthew St. Laurent

Northwest Endosurgical

At Northwest Endosurgical in Houston, Texas, Dr. Matthew St. Laurent helps patients achieve dramatic weight loss and improved health through bariatric surgery. Dr. St. Laurent is one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in greater Houston, and he is affiliated with several professional organizations, including:

  • The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
  • The American College of Surgeons
  • The Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons
  • The Obesity Action Coalition
  • The American Medical Association
  • The Texas Medical Association
  • The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)

To schedule a consultation, book online or give us a call at (281) 921-1890.

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