Finally Achieve Lasting Weight Loss with Gastric Sleeve: Lose 60-70% of Excess Weight with a Board-Certified Bariatric Specialist
Dr. Sofiane El Djouzi | 2,400+ Successful Procedures | Top 1% Nationally | 98% Patient Satisfaction | Most Insurances Accepted
★★★★★ 4.9/5 Rating from 340+ Verified Google Reviews
☎ (773) 365-1300Questions? Call Now — Virtual Consults Available | Hablamos Español
Gastric Sleeve vs. Weight Loss Medications: What Science Says
If you're considering weight loss pils like GLP-1 medications, you deserve to know the facts
The Bottom Line: Recent research from the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery reveals gastric sleeve patients achieve 5x more weight loss than GLP-1 medications after 2 years—24% total body weight loss versus just 4.7%.
| Factor | Gastric Sleeve Surgery | GLP-1 Medications |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss (2 years) | 24% total body weight | 4.7% total body weight |
| Long-term results | 72% maintain 50%+ loss at 3 years | 66% regain weight within 1 year after stopping |
| Diabetes remission | 60-80% achieve remission | 20-30% improvement while on medication |
| Cost (5 years) | $20-30K one-time (often insurance-covered) | $60-90K ongoing ($1,000-1,500/month) |
| Commitment | One procedure + lifestyle changes | Daily/weekly injections indefinitely |
Our Approach: GLP-1 medications can be valuable pre-surgery tools. For lasting transformation, metabolic disease resolution, and freedom from lifetime medication costs, gastric sleeve surgery provides the permanent anatomical solution backed by 20+ years of proven results.
See If You're a Candidate for Gastric SleeveWhy Choose Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
One of the most effective, minimally invasive weight loss procedures with proven long-term results
Faster Recovery
Most patients return home within 24 hours and back to work in 1 week. Playing with your kids and hiking by 3 months.
Proven Results
Lose 60-70% of excess weight within first year. For someone 100 lbs overweight, that's 60-70 pounds—dropping 6-8 dress sizes.
Minimally Invasive
Laparoscopic technique means smaller incisions, less pain, and minimal scarring. Home the next day.
Life-Changing Health Benefits
Imagine waking upwithout CPAP, throwing away diabetes medications, and having energy to live fully again.
Extremely Safe
Complication risk well below 1%—safer than gallbladder surgery when performed by experienced surgeons like Dr. El Djouzi.
Insurance Coverage
Most major plans cover surgery when BMI ≥35 with health conditions. We handle all pre-authorization paperwork.
Get Your Personalized Surgical Assessment
Answer 8 questions, receive customized recommendations based on thousands of patient outcomes—delivered instantly
Discover Your Path to 60-70% Excess Weight Loss
3,000+ patients have taken this assessment—join them in discovering if gastric sleeve is right for you.
Your Insurance Likely Covers Gastric Sleeve Surgery—Here's How
We work with major insurance providers to make your transformation accessible
Most insurance plans cover gastric sleeve surgery when you meet these criteria:
- BMI ≥ 35 (or ≥ 30 with qualifying health conditions)
- Qualifying conditions: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint disease
- Documentation of previous weight loss attempts
- Psychological evaluation and nutritional counseling
Your Path to Insurance Approval:
- Step 1: In-person or Virtual Consultation with Dr. El Djouzi to confirm candidacy
- Step 2: We submit pre-authorization to your insurance (typically few days for answer)
- Step 3: Upon approval, schedule surgery at your convenience
- Step 4: Our financial coordinator explains your out-of-pocket costs before any commitment
Your Path to Self-Pay Surgery:
- Step 1: In-person or Virtual Consultation with Dr. El Djouzi to confirm candidacy
- Step 2: Meet and discuss with our financial coordinator cost in detail
- Step 3: Explore our partners for financing and assistance
Meet Your Gastric Sleeve Surgeon
Experience and expertise you can trust
Dr. Sofiane El Djouzi
Dr. El Djouzi is a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with over 15 years of experience specializing in gastric sleeve surgery. He has performed 2,400+ successful procedures, helping patients achieve lasting weight loss and improved health outcomes.
His expertise in minimally invasive techniques, combined with a compassionate approach to patient care, has made him one of the most trusted gastric sleeve surgeons in Illinois. Dr. El Djouzi's comprehensive program includes pre-surgical preparation, the procedure itself, and lifelong post-operative support.
American Board of Surgery
Accredited Bariatric Program
English, Spanish, French, and Arabic
Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery
Real Patients, Real Gastric Sleeve Results
Join thousands who have transformed their lives through gastric sleeve surgery
Dr. El Djouzi's consultation schedule fills 3-4 weeks in advance
Book Your Preferred Time NowFrequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Preguntas Frecuentes sobre la Manga Gástrica
Q: Is gastric sleeve surgery safe?
¿Es segura la cirugía de manga gástrica?
▼
Yes. Done laparoscopically or robotically, the sleeve is very safe—the risk of a life-threatening problem is well below 1%. Its safety record matches common operations like gallbladder removal. All surgery has some risk, but for qualified patients the benefits far outweigh it. We review your personal risks and take every precaution.
Q: How does surgery compare to weight loss medications like GLP-1?
¿Cómo se compara la cirugía con medicamentos como GLAP-1?
▼
Gastric sleeve surgery delivers 5x more weight loss than GLP-1 medications after 2 years (24% vs. 4.7% total body weight loss). While medications require ongoing use and cost $1,000-1,500/month indefinitely, surgery is a one-time procedure. Additionally, 66% of patients regain weight within 1 year after stopping GLP-1s, while 72% of gastric sleeve patients maintain 50%+ weight loss at 3 years.
Q: What are the possible complications of gastric sleeve surgery?
¿Cuáles son las posibles complicaciones de la manga gástrica?
▼
Serious problems are rare. The main concern is a staple-line leak (1%-2%), treatable if caught early. Other risks—bleeding, infection, blood clots—are also uncommon. Some patients develop heartburn or reflux, usually controlled with medication. Skipping vitamins can cause deficiencies over time. Choosing an experienced team and attending check-ups keeps risks low.
Q: Does insurance cover gastric sleeve surgery?
¿El seguro médico cubre la cirugía de manga gástrica?
▼
Most major health plans do cover a gastric sleeve if you meet their medical rules. Our quick quiz shows whether you likely qualify. Because every policy is different, confirm with your insurer or let us check for you. If you're not covered, we have clear self-pay pricing and flexible financing.
Q: How much weight will I lose after gastric sleeve surgery?
¿Cuánto peso perderé después de la cirugía de manga gástrica?
▼
Patients typically lose 60%-70% of their excess weight within 12 months—about 60-70 lbs for someone 100 lbs above goal. Most loss happens in the first six months, then slows. Long-term success depends on sticking with healthy eating and exercise. Used well, the sleeve delivers dramatic health gains.
Q: How long is recovery after gastric sleeve surgery?
¿Cuánto dura la recuperación después de la cirugía de manga gástrica?
▼
Most patients spend one night in the hospital and go home the next day. You'll follow a liquid-then-purée diet for two weeks and ease back into daily life. Many return to work in about one week; some need a second week. By week six you can usually resume full exercise, pending your doctor's okay. We guide you at each stage.
Still have questions? Let's talk.