Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, helps reduce food intake as well as cravings, leading to significant weight loss.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, helps reduce food intake as well as cravings, leading to significant weight loss.
At Alabama Surgical Associates in Huntsville, AL, bariatric surgeon Dr. Darrell Doucette and each member of our team is committed to empowering our patients to live healthier, happier lives. Weight loss surgery is one of the tools we rely on, and gastric sleeve surgery is a highly effective option that helps many patients significantly reduce their body weight.
What is Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric sleeve, often referred to as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a weight loss surgery procedure that involves removal of approximately 80% of the stomach. Not only does this significantly limit the amount of food and calories a patient is able to consume, but it also lowers levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, helping decrease a patient’s appetite so they feel less hungry.*
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve
Our patients experience many benefits after gastric sleeve surgery, including:
Significant Weight Loss
Gastric sleeve surgery patients see a rapid and significant reduction in excess weight, and most patients are able to sustain their healthier body weight for the long term.
Fewer Cravings
Gastric sleeve surgery results in lower levels of
Trusted Source
World Journal of Gastroenterology 2015 Nov 7; 21(41): 11804–11814
Go to Source
ghrelin
, a hormone that regulates appetite, cravings, and blood sugar.
Faster Recovery
Because our surgeon performs gastric sleeve surgery laparoscopically, patients experience shorter hospitals,
Trusted Source
Annals of Surgery 2001 Sep; 234(3): 279–291
Go to Source
faster healing
, and less scarring.*
Better Quality of Life
After weight loss following gastric sleeve surgery, many patients feel free to live a more active, satisfying life.
Remission or Improvement of Type 2 Diabetes
Trusted Source
Journal of Diabetes Research 2015; 2015: 674268. Published online 2015 Apr 14. Doi
Go to Source
Up to 70%
of gastric sleeve patients see an improvement or total remission of their type 2 diabetes.
Resolved Sleep Apnea
The vast majority of patients previously diagnosed with
Trusted Source
Canadian Journal of Surgery 2013 Feb; 56(1): 47–57
Go to Source
sleep apnea
are able to stop wearing CPAP masks after gastric sleeve surgery.
Resolution of High Blood Pressure
Following gastric sleeve surgery,
Trusted Source
Journal of Minimum Access Surgery. 2016 Jul-Sep; 12(3): 220–225
Go to Source
full remission
of high blood pressure was noted in 71.7% of patients.
Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
At Alabama Surgical Associates, preparation for gastric sleeve surgery starts well before the procedure. Your weight loss team will include a dietitian who will help you learn about healthy dietary and exercise habits, and identify emotional factors that may contribute to overeating. By working with your care team in advance of your surgery, you will have a strong support system in place, setting you up for success in your weight loss surgery journey.
The Gastric Sleeve Procedure
Gastric sleeve surgery is a laparoscopic procedure, which means that the bariatric surgeon makes a series of small incisions through which surgical tools are inserted. Before surgery, our anesthesia team places the patient under full general anesthesia. To begin the procedure, Dr. Doucette makes a number of small incisions in the patient’s abdomen, inserting a tiny video camera and surgical instruments. He will remove a large portion (approximately 80%) of the patient’s stomach, significantly reducing the amount of food the patient will be able to consume. The remaining part of the stomach will be secured with staples, and the small incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures and skin glue.
Recovery After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Because gastric sleeve surgery is performed laparoscopically, patients enjoy a shorter and easier recovery period than they would after open surgery. In fact, you should be able to get back to your regular activities within one week of your procedure.
You will attend a number of post-surgical appointments with Dr. Doucette and other members of your care team so that your recovery can be monitored and you have the support you need to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Just as the weight loss journey at Alabama Surgical Associates doesn’t begin with surgery, it also doesn’t end after your procedure. We attribute our patients’ success to our holistic program that provides them with long-term guidance and support.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Results
Following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the average patient
Trusted Source
Comparison of weight loss outcomes 1 year after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients aged above 50 years
Praveenraj P, Gomes RM, Kumar S, et al
Go to Source
loses 66%
of their excess weight. Patients also experience improvements or total remission of type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and other medical conditions related to obesity.
Of course, the best way to achieve and maintain optimal weight loss after bariatric surgery is to remain committed to a healthy lifestyle, eating right, and staying active.
Who is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve?
As a patient at Alabama Surgical Associates, you will be fully evaluated to determine whether bariatric surgery is the best option for you. In general, a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery:
- Is at least 100 pounds over ideal weight
- Has a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher
- Some patients with a lower BMI may still qualify for gastric sleeve surgery, but may not meet the requirements for medical insurance coverage. In these cases, it is possible to self-pay for weight loss surgery.
You Can Afford this Life Changing Procedure!
Inclusive Self-Pay Package $9,995
$238*
PER MONTH
*estimated monthly payment for those who qualify
Is Gastric Sleeve Right for Me?
If you are interested in bariatric surgery, the best way to determine whether you are a candidate and which procedure is best for your unique needs is to attend a consultation with our weight loss experts. We will help you learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery, and together we will decide which treatment plan is right for you.
Invasiveness
Excess Weight Loss*
Rate of Weight Loss*
Average Procedure Time
Typical Hospital Stay*
Insurance Coverage Available*
Financing Available
Self Pay Cost
Gastric Balloon
Invasiveness
Excess Weight Loss*
Rate of Weight Loss*
Average Procedure Time
Typical Hospital Stay*
Insurance Coverage Available*
Financing Available
Self Pay Cost
Non-Invasive
20-40lbs
Slow
Less than 30 minutes
Out-patient
No
Yes
$5,995
ESG
Invasiveness
Excess Weight Loss*
Rate of Weight Loss*
Average Procedure Time
Typical Hospital Stay*
Insurance Coverage Available*
Financing Available
Self Pay Cost
Non-Invasive
40%
Slower
Less than 1 hour
Out-patient
Yes
Yes
$8,995
Gastric Banding
Invasiveness
Excess Weight Loss*
Rate of Weight Loss*
Average Procedure Time
Typical Hospital Stay*
Insurance Coverage Available*
Financing Available
Self Pay Cost
Minimal
40%
Slower
Less than 1 hour
Out-patient
Yes
Yes
$8,995
Gastric Sleeve
Invasiveness
Excess Weight Loss*
Rate of Weight Loss*
Average Procedure Time
Typical Hospital Stay*
Insurance Coverage Available*
Financing Available
Self Pay Cost
Minimal
40%
Slower
Less than 1 hour
Out-patient
Yes
Yes
$9,995
Gastric Bypass
Invasiveness
Excess Weight Loss*
Rate of Weight Loss*
Average Procedure Time
Typical Hospital Stay*
Insurance Coverage Available*
Financing Available
Self Pay Cost
Minimal
40%
Slower
Less than 2 hours
Out-patient
Yes
Yes
$11,995
DS/SADI-S
Invasiveness
Excess Weight Loss*
Rate of Weight Loss*
Average Procedure Time
Typical Hospital Stay*
Insurance Coverage Available*
Financing Available
Self Pay Cost
Minimal
40%
Slower
Less than 1 hour
Out-patient
Yes
Yes
*Call for Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve
If you are interested in bariatric surgery, the best way to determine whether you are a candidate and which procedure is best for your unique needs is to attend a consultation with our weight loss experts. We will help you learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery, and together we will decide which treatment plan is right for you.
How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost?
At Alabama Surgical Associates, we believe that each of our patients has the right to live a healthier, happier life–regardless of their budget. We will be happy to help you learn more about the price of gastric sleeve surgery, as well as financing and payment options.
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Bariatric surgery is usually covered by medical insurance when the procedure is deemed medically necessary. We can help you learn more with a free insurance check.
What Are the Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. However, when it comes to a bariatric surgery procedure like gastric sleeve, it is important to weigh the significant and even life-saving benefits of the procedure against any potential risks. Risks and side effects of VSG surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Staple line leakage
- Staple line leakage
- Anesthesia reactions
- Blood clots
- Hernias
- Malnutrition
- Wound leakage
- Respiratory complications
- Low blood sugar
- Heartburn and acid reflux (G.E.R.D.)
Step into Wellness: Your Path to a
Lighter, Brighter Future Starts Now
Connect with Alabama Surgical Associates to take a proactive step towards your weight loss
goals. With our expert team and comprehensive approach, you’ll find the guidance and
support you need to achieve lasting results and improved well-being.
Dr. Darrell Doucette has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated:
1 World Journal of Gastroenterology 2015 Nov 7; 21(41): 11804–11814
2 Annals of Surgery 2001 Sep; 234(3): 279–291
3 Journal of Diabetes Research 2015; 2015: 674268. Published online 2015 Apr 14. Doi
4 Canadian Journal of Surgery 2013 Feb; 56(1): 47–57
5 Journal of Minimum Access Surgery. 2016 Jul-Sep; 12(3): 220–225.
6 Praveenraj P, Gomes RM, Kumar S, et al. Comparison of weight loss outcomes 1 year after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients aged above 50 years. J Minim Access Surg. 2016;12(3):220-225. doi:10.4103/0972-9941.183481. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4916747/. Accessed March 14, 2022.
7 Mayo Clinic. Gastric Sleeve. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sleeve-gastrectomy/about/pac-20385183. Accessed March 14, 2022.
