The Mini Sleeve, by Dr. K

Low BMI Gastric Sleeve in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Dr. Reza Keshavarzi plans his Mini Sleeve for adults with a BMI of 25 to 30, and the same surgeon stays with you from your first visit through a full year of follow-up.

  • Board Certified SurgeonDiplomate, American Board of Surgery
  • FACS and FASMBSFellow of both surgical societies
  • 4.9 on GoogleAverage of 80 patient reviews
  • Dates This MonthOnce your testing is complete
Rapid-fire questions with Dr. K on GLP-1s, the sleeve and life after surgery.
Real Patients

Before and After the Mini Sleeve

Each pair shows one of Dr. K's own low BMI sleeve patients, before on the left and after on the right.

Starting from a lower BMI, the difference is mostly in shape: a slimmer midsection and clothes that fit differently. Results vary from patient to patient.

See more results in our gallery

Low BMI gastric sleeve1 of 3

How It Works

What Is a Low BMI Gastric Sleeve in Fort Lauderdale, FL

A low BMI gastric sleeve is a sleeve gastrectomy planned for adults whose weight sits below the range bariatric surgery has usually been reserved for. Dr. K calls his version the Mini Sleeve and plans it around a BMI of 25 to 30.

Through a few small laparoscopic incisions, he removes the outer portion of the stomach and leaves a narrow sleeve. Meals fill you sooner, and many patients report less hunger between them. The intestines are not rerouted, so digestion follows its usual path.

Our office is in South Miami. Fort Lauderdale patients see the same surgeon at every step, and much of the testing before surgery can be done closer to home.

  • 25 to 30The BMI range the Mini Sleeve is planned for
  • 1 surgeonDr. K, from your consultation to your one-year visit
  • LaparoscopicA few small incisions rather than one open cut
  • PermanentThe portion of stomach removed is not replaced
Candidacy

Who the Mini Sleeve Is Meant For

Dr. K confirms fit with you at your consultation. These are the patterns that usually bring patients in.

You May Be a Good Fit If

  • You are an adult with a BMI between 25 and 30, and the weight has resisted several real attempts to lose it.
  • You have used weight loss injections and want a result that does not depend on staying on them.
  • Your weight is starting to affect your health, energy or mobility.
  • You are ready to follow a pre-surgery diet and a nutrition plan afterward.
  • You can complete medical clearances and an upper endoscopy before surgery.
Dr. Reza Keshavarzi in a white coat and scrubs, seated on his desk in front of his framed diplomas
Your Surgeon

Meet Your Surgeon, Dr. Reza Keshavarzi

Dr. Reza Keshavarzi, Dr. K to his patients, is our lead surgeon and a board certified bariatric surgeon. He completed his surgical residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital, then a fellowship in laparoscopic, bariatric and robotic surgery at Jackson South Medical Center.

He lives the habits he asks of patients: regular activity, steady nutrition and a maintained weight. Patients often mention that he answers calls and texts himself, long after surgery day.

  • Diplomate, American Board of Surgery
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons
  • Fellow, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
  • Member, SAGES, AMA and Florida Medical Association
  • MD with High Distinction, University of Kentucky
  • Summa Cum Laude, University of Louisville
Dr. K practices what he preaches: get outside and move.
Compare

Mini Sleeve Compared With GLP-1s and Other Options

Many patients in the low BMI range ask whether to keep going with injections or move to surgery. Dr. K's view is that the answer can be one, the other or a planned combination of both.

OptionUsually suited toHow it worksIncisions
Mini SleeveA BMI of 25 to 30Part of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow sleeveA few small laparoscopic incisions
GLP-1 injectionsMany BMI ranges, under medical supervisionPrescription medication lowers appetite while you keep taking itNone
Gastric sleeveA BMI above the Mini Sleeve rangeThe same operation, planned for a higher starting weightA few small laparoscopic incisions
ESGPatients who prefer no incisionsSutures placed through an endoscope fold the stomach smaller, with no tissue removedNone
ORBERA balloonA temporary, nonsurgical startA balloon in the stomach takes up space so smaller meals satisfy you, then it is removedNone

GLP-1 medication, surgery, nutrition coaching and follow-up can work together. Dr. K builds the combination around your health and goals.

GLP-1s, surgery or both: Dr. K's approach to choosing the right combination.
Patient Reviews

Patient Experiences With Dr. K

4.9 average from 80 Google reviews

Dr. Keshavarzi explained every detail of the surgery from getting prepared, to the actual day of surgery, and beyond.

Hannah S., Google review

He has been there for me from the beginning of my journey until now.

Sherly G., gastric sleeve patient

Mari was also a lot of help, she explained the diet thoroughly and was always happy to help.

Mikey M., Google review
What to Expect

Your Mini Sleeve Process, Step by Step

  1. Step one

    Consultation With Dr. K

    He reviews your weight history, health and goals, then tells you directly whether the Mini Sleeve fits or another option would serve you better. You leave knowing your plan and your next step.

  2. Testing near home

    Clearances and Endoscopy

    Surgery requires medical clearances and an upper endoscopy. Tests can be done with us or at a facility near Fort Lauderdale, and an endoscopy from the past five months is accepted.

  3. Before surgery

    Diet and Medication Changes

    You follow a pre-surgery diet, with our team supporting you through preparation. Weight loss injections are stopped at least two weeks before surgery.

  4. Surgery day

    Your Laparoscopic Mini Sleeve

    Dr. K performs the sleeve through small incisions, and your hospital stay is part of the package. Fort Lauderdale patients reach our South Miami office by I-95 and US-1.

  5. Week one to month 12

    Recovery and Your First Year

    Most patients are back at work in 4 to 7 days and avoid lifting more than 20 lbs while healing. Follow-up visits continue for a year, with our diet plans guiding the meals in between.

Glass meal-prep containers with grilled chicken, boiled eggs, roasted vegetables, grains and mixed nuts
Protein-forward meals like these become the routine after a sleeve.
Pricing and Financing

Cost of Low BMI Gastric Sleeve in Fort Lauderdale, FL

We publish our sleeve package price, and it is the same for Fort Lauderdale patients as for patients who live around the corner.

Gastric Sleeve Package

$14,000

  • Dr. K's surgeon's fee
  • Your hospital stay
  • All hospital-related fees
  • Follow-up visits for the first year

When Dr. K performs your endoscopy, the procedure itself is included and a $750 hospital fee applies. Your Mini Sleeve quote is confirmed at your consultation.

Cherry patient financing logo

Monthly Payments With Cherry

0%interest for 24 months
$320monthly payments from

Cherry is accepted for surgery, and debit or credit cards cover any remaining balance. Full terms are on our financing page.

Questions

FAQ About Low BMI Gastric Sleeve in Fort Lauderdale, FL

What BMI qualifies for a low BMI gastric sleeve in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Dr. K plans the Mini Sleeve for adults with a BMI between 25 and 30. Above that range, the standard gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass is usually the better match, and he performs both. Your health history and what you have already tried matter as much as the number itself.

Can I have a Mini Sleeve if I use GLP-1 injections now?

Yes. Many patients reach us after using weight loss medication. Injections must be stopped at least two weeks before surgery, and Dr. K plans that timing with you.

How soon could I have surgery?

Timing depends on how quickly your medical clearances and endoscopy are finished. Our recommended doctor returns results within 48 hours, and surgery dates are often available within the same month once testing is complete.

When can I go back to work after a low BMI gastric sleeve?

Most patients return to work 4 to 7 days after the procedure. Lifting more than 20 lbs is off limits while you heal, so a physical job may need more time.

What is the 20-20-20 rule for eating after gastric sleeve surgery?

It is a common pacing guideline after a sleeve: take around 20 minutes for a meal, chew each bite thoroughly, and separate drinking from eating. Your nutrition plan from our team sets the exact pace and portions you follow.

Is weight loss surgery worth it at a lower BMI?

It depends on how your weight has behaved and what it is doing to your health. For some patients in the 25 to 30 range, a smaller stomach is the change that holds; for others, medication or a nonsurgical option is enough. Dr. K weighs both with you at your consultation.

Talk With Dr. K About the Mini Sleeve

Book a consultation to learn whether the Mini Sleeve fits your BMI, your history and your goals.

7330 SW 62nd Pl STE 210, South Miami, FL 33143. Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.