Single Incision Gastric Sleeve Procedure at Texas Weight Loss Surgery Center Leaves No Visible Scars

(Austin, Texas - October 20, 2010) Sashi Ganta, MD, FACS, of central Texas weight loss clinic the Austin Institute of Bariatrics and Laparoscopy (AIBL), performed the single-incision Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery through the patient's belly button leaving no visible scars on September 7th, 2010 at North Austin Medical Center in Austin, Texas. This procedure, called trans-umbilical sleeve gastrectomy, leaves even less scarring than the minimally-invasive laparoscopic techniques that have been commonly used. Dr. Ganta is one of the few bariatric surgeons in Texas to have performed the gastric sleeve weight loss surgery via the belly button.

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, or a vertical sleeve is a relatively new bariatric procedure which has demonstrated tremendous weight loss results for many morbidly obese people. The surgery involves the removal of roughly 75% or more of the stomach, creating a small sleeve-shaped pouch. This allows the patient to lose weight by creating a full feeling after eating smaller portions of food. The surgery also removes the part of the stomach that creates ghrelin, a hormone believed to be associated with hunger cravings.

With a standard laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedure, several small incisions are made in the abdomen. Trocars, tubes which serve as passageways for medical instruments, are inserted into these incisions. As revolutionary as this technique has been for improving patient outcomes, the single-incision trans-umbilical method of bariatric surgery is a further advance with hope to provide even better outcomes for patients.

"Since the advent of single-incision lap band surgery," says Texas bariatric surgeon Dr. Ganta, "we have observed a significant improvement in cosmesis with less scarring in addition to the possibility of less pain and faster recovery. Patients are amazed at how little scarring they have following the belly button lap band procedure and we are excited to offer the single incision belly button gastric sleeve procedure." Dr. Ganta and his bariatric surgery team in Texas have been closely involved with developments in weight loss surgery in Austin. In 2008, Dr. Ganta innovated the trans-umbilical single incision LAP-BAND® surgery and is believed to have been the first bariatric surgeon in Texas to perform the procedure.

About Dr. Sashi Ganta:

Dr. Sashi Ganta is a board-certified bariatric surgeon in Austin, Texas. He pioneered his own technique to perform the Single incision LAP-BAND® surgery through the belly button, leaving no visible scars. Dr Ganta has developed a comprehensive weight loss clinic in Austin, Texas and his practice in Central Texas, AIBL, is known as one of the best Texas weight loss surgery centers. Dr. Ganta is one of the most experienced surgeons offering weight loss surgery in San Antonio, Austin and the surrounding area.

Dr. Ganta received fellowship training in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut and completed his Surgery Residency Training at Sound Shore Medical Center, New York. He has studied medicine in the United States, India and UK. He is an invited speaker and faculty member teaching CME courses about his technique to other experienced bariatric surgeons. Dr. Ganta lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Nalini and two daughters.