Sleeve Gastrectomy in NJ | Gastric Sleeve Surgery at WLWC
Sleeve gastrectomy, commonly called gastric sleeve surgery, is one of the most widely performed weight loss procedures in the United States. For eligible patients, it can support significant, long-term weight loss by reducing stomach size, limiting portions, and helping them feel full sooner.
At the Weight Loss and Wellness Center, Dr. Saniea F. Majid, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM, has performed numerous successful sleeve gastrectomy procedures for patients across New Jersey. Her approach combines experienced surgical care, advanced treatment options, and personalized support before and after surgery.
At WLWC, we recognize obesity as a disease, not a personal failure. Our goal is to help you work toward a healthier weight and better overall health through compassionate guidance, ongoing follow-up, and a long-term plan built around your individual needs.
What is Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach. There are three main types of gastrectomy:
- Partial gastrectomy: Part of the stomach is removed.
- Total gastrectomy: The entire stomach is removed.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: Most of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach about the size and shape of a banana.
During gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon uses surgical staples to divide the stomach vertically and removes the larger section. The new stomach has a much smaller capacity, often holding around two ounces initially. This limits how much you can eat at one time and helps you feel full sooner and for longer.
Unlike gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy does not reroute the digestive tract. Food continues to pass through the stomach and intestines along its usual pathway. The procedure supports weight loss by reducing food intake and changing appetite-related hormones. Removing the part of the stomach that produces most of the hormone ghrelin may reduce hunger, increase fullness, and support long-term weight management.
Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy
Explore how sleeve gastrectomy may support lasting weight loss, improved health, and a smoother recovery.
Long-Term Loss
May help patients maintain 50% to 70% excess weight loss over five years.
Better Health
May improve Type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, sleep apnea, and cholesterol.
Less Hunger
Reduces ghrelin, which may decrease hunger and help you feel full sooner.
No Rerouting
Keeps the intestinal pathway intact and is simpler than gastric bypass.
Small Incisions
Uses minimally invasive techniques that may support a faster recovery.
Care Near You
Consultations and follow-up care are available at four New Jersey offices.
Who May Be a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery may be appropriate for selected adults who qualify for bariatric surgery and are ready to make long-term dietary and lifestyle changes. Dr. Majid evaluates your BMI, health conditions, previous weight-loss efforts, medical history, and treatment goals. You may be a candidate if you meet the following criteria:
You have a BMI of 35 or higher, with or without obesity-related conditions
You have a BMI between 30 and 34.9 with metabolic disease or inadequate results from nonsurgical treatment
Previous weight-loss efforts have not produced meaningful or lasting results
You are ready to follow long-term dietary, activity, and follow-up guidance
Medical, nutritional, and psychological evaluations confirm that surgery is appropriate
Meeting these criteria does not automatically mean gastric sleeve surgery is right for you. Dr. Majid also considers reflux symptoms, overall health, surgical history, nutritional needs, and weight-loss goals. If gastric sleeve surgery is unsuitable, WLWC may recommend gastric bypass, GLP-1 medication, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, or medically supervised weight management.
Health Conditions
Gastric Sleeve Surgery May Improve
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension
High cholesterol
Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA
Heart disease
Obesity-related depression or reduced quality of life
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, requires careful discussion during your consultation. While reflux may improve with weight loss, gastric sleeve surgery can also cause new or worsening symptoms. Dr. Majid reviews your symptoms, medical history, and health goals to determine whether sleeve gastrectomy or another procedure is better suited to you.
What to Expect Before and
After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Your gastric sleeve journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Majid. During this visit, she reviews your BMI, medical history, obesity-related health conditions, previous weight loss attempts, and long-term goals before recommending a treatment plan.
Before surgery is scheduled, you will also complete the required medical and psychological clearances to make sure the procedure is safe and appropriate for you. Dr. Majid and her team take the time to explain the gastric sleeve procedure, answer your questions, and help you feel comfortable and confident before your surgery date.
Your care continues well beyond the operating room. After your gastric sleeve procedure, Dr. Majid and her team will guide you through the dietary and lifestyle changes needed to adjust to your smaller stomach size and support long-term weight loss.
Depending on your needs, your postoperative care may include:
- Clinical weight management
- Nutritional counseling with a registered dietitian
- Weight loss support groups
- Ongoing follow-up appointments with Dr. Majid
The goal is not only to help you recover safely, but also to help you build the habits, confidence, and support system needed to maintain your results over time.
Recovery After Sleeve Gastrectomy
Recovery after sleeve gastrectomy looks different for every patient, but most patients undergoing gastric sleeve surgery at WLWC stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours. Some patients may be able to go home the same day, depending on the procedure, their overall health, and how they recover after surgery.
Patients are usually encouraged to get up and walk on the day of surgery, and many are able to return to light daily activities within a few days. Dr. Majid and her team provide clear recovery instructions and ongoing follow-up to help patients stay on track.
Week 1
Clear liquids only
Focus on clear liquids and hydration. Avoid carbonated, caffeinated, and sugary drinks.
Week 2
Full liquid diet
Move to full liquids with an emphasis on protein, following your care team’s target.
Week 3
Soft foods
Add soft foods gradually as your stomach heals and you adjust to smaller portions.
Week 4
Solid foods
Begin transitioning to solid foods with continued guidance from the WLWC team.
Why Choose WLWC for Sleeve Gastrectomy in NJ?
Sleeve Gastrectomy is one of the most complex bariatric procedures and requires advanced surgical expertise, careful patient selection and lifelong nutritional follow-up. At the Weight Loss and Wellness Center, Dr. Majid and her team help patients understand whether the procedure aligns with their health needs, weight-loss goals and ability to make long-term dietary changes.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Every plan begins with a careful review of the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, health concerns, previous weight-loss efforts and goals so Dr. Majid can recommend the most appropriate option.
Comprehensive Weight-Loss Care
WLWC offers comprehensive obesity care under one roof, including surgical, endoscopic and medical weight-loss options, nutritional counselling and body contouring, so care can adapt as patients’ needs change.
Long-Term Support After Treatment
Support continues beyond treatment through follow-up care, nutritional counselling, online support groups and WLWC’s Back on Track programme for patients who need help after weight regain.
Four Convenient NJ Locations
With offices in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield and Rahway, WLWC makes consultations and follow-up care more accessible to patients across New Jersey.
Advanced Surgical Expertise
Dr. Majid is a board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist, fellowship-trained in minimally invasive, bariatric and robotic surgery, a published researcher, past president of the New Jersey chapter of ASMBS, with 15+ years’ experience.
Insurance and Financing Support
Coverage varies by plan. WLWC works with several major insurance carriers and offers self-pay and financing options through Cherry and CareCredit. The team helps patients understand their options.
If you are considering Sleeve Gastrectomy and want to know whether it is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Majid at the Weight Loss and Wellness Center. With locations in Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield and Rahway, WLWC provides personalised bariatric care and ongoing support for patients across New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can I lose with gastric sleeve surgery?
Many patients maintain a loss of 50 to 70% of their excess body weight over five years following gastric sleeve surgery, provided they follow the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. Results vary by individual health factors and commitment to post-operative guidelines.
Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?
No. Sleeve gastrectomy is a permanent procedure. Because a portion of the stomach is surgically removed, it cannot be reversed or replaced. It is important to discuss this fully with Dr. Majid during your consultation so you understand the long-term commitment involved.
How does gastric sleeve surgery compare to gastric bypass?
Sleeve gastrectomy is generally considered safer than gastric bypass due to its shorter anesthesia time, faster recovery, and lower complexity. It does not reroute the digestive tract, meaning nutrient absorption remains largely normal. Gastric bypass may be more appropriate for patients with severe reflux disease or a very high BMI. Dr. Majid will recommend the best option based on your individual health profile.
Will insurance cover gastric sleeve surgery in New Jersey?
Many major insurance plans cover sleeve gastrectomy when medical necessity criteria are met. The WLWC team helps patients navigate insurance requirements and also offers flexible financing through Cherry Financing and CareCredit.
Is gastric sleeve surgery available near me in New Jersey?
Yes. The Weight Loss and Wellness Center serves patients through four New Jersey locations: Clifton, Bridgewater, Springfield, and Rahway. This makes it easier for patients across the state to access expert gastric sleeve surgery care, follow-up visits, and long-term weight loss support close to home.