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Weight Loss Surgery / Weight Loss Options / Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve

The team at Alabama Surgical Associates is committed to helping patients live healthier lives.

Dr. Doucette has performed many successful gastric sleeve procedures to help patients lead more healthy and active lives.The gastric sleeve, also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy or VSG, is a surgical weight loss procedure in which up to 80% of the stomach is removed. This dramatically limits the amount of food a person can consume. Reduction of the size of the stomach also reduces levels of the hormone ghrelin, which triggers appetite, so patients feel less hungry.*

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve

*Individual Results May Vary

Weight Loss

Patients typically experience rapid, significant, and sustained weight loss.*

Reduction in Cravings

Gastric sleeve patients may experience a reduction of ghrelin, a hormone that helps regulate cravings, hunger, and blood sugar1.

Quicker Recovery

Our surgeon is trained in laparoscopic techniques, practicing minimally invasive procedures which are typically noted for quicker healing, smaller scars, and shorter hospital stays.2*

Improved Quality of Life

Many patients often report they have been able to get their lives back on track & are able to live more actively without being restricted by their previous weight and the subsequent health conditions that come along with it.*

Remission or Improvement of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes improvement or total remission has been noted in 70% of patients after gastric sleeve surgery*3.

Resolved Sleep Apnea

In a recent study, all patients were able to stop using CPAP masks for sleep apnea after gastric sleeve surgery.*4

Resolution of High Blood Pressure

71.7% of gastric sleeve patients show full remission of high blood pressure following surgery.*4

Gastric Sleeve Surgery: What to Expect

Preparing for Gastric Sleeve

When you are a patient with Alabama Surgical Associates, much of the prep work will have already been done by the day of your gastric sleeve procedure. We will also conduct a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that you are a good candidate for this procedure. We will thoroughly educate you on all aspects of the procedure and the recovery. You will have learned about healthy eating, safe exercise, and managing the emotional factors that often contribute to obesity. You will have established relationships with various members of your care team, so that a strong support network is in place for you throughout your weight loss journey.

Learn More About Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

The Gastric Sleeve Procedure

The surgery occurs in the operating room and is performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive technique carried out through small incisions. To begin, the patient is fully anesthetized by our anesthesiologist. Dr. Doucette then performs the procedure using a tiny video camera and specialized instruments inserted through the small incisions. A large section of the patient’s stomach is then removed, leaving the remaining stomach in a curved, banana-like shape. The stomach will be about one fifth its original size and secured with staples. The only visible evidence of the procedure will be several small incisions on the abdomen.

Recovery After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

When performed laparoscopically, gastric sleeve surgery is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time than traditional “open” surgery. Most patients can resume regular activities within one week after surgery. Post-op appointments will be scheduled to check on progression of recovery and provide support for healthy eating and lifestyle changes.

In order to help our patients achieve long term success, our practice offers a comprehensive surgical weight loss program. We offer long-term follow up care, and have experienced, licensed dietitians to help guide patients through the nutritional changes that accompany weight loss surgery.

Man in a polo walking through the park in the sunshine

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Results

When performed laparoscopically, gastric sleeve surgery is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time than traditional “open” surgery. Most patients can resume regular activities one week after surgery. Post-op appointments will be scheduled to check on progression of recovery and provide support for healthy eating and lifestyle changes.

In order to help our patients achieve long term success, our practice offers a comprehensive surgical weight loss program. We offer long-term follow up care, have an insurance specialist as part of our in-office team to answer patient questions about the insurance process, and have an experienced, licensed dietitian to help guide patients through the nutritional changes that accompany weight loss surgery.

Who is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve?

Generally, to qualify for bariatric surgery with the Alabama Surgical Associates team, the patient needs to be at least 100 pounds over his or her ideal weight, or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above. Patients with a BMI of 35-40 who have weight-related medical problems such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, or other related medical problems may also be candidates for the gastric sleeve procedure. While people with a BMI of 30-35 may benefit from weight loss surgery they might not qualify for insurance coverage, but financing options are available.

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Gastric Balloon

Invasiveness
Non-Invasive
Excess Weight Loss*
20-40lbs
Rate of Weight Loss*
Slow
Average Procedure Time
Less than 30 minutes
Typical Hospital Stay*
Out-patient
Insurance Coverage Available*
No
Financing Available
Yes
Self Pay Cost
$5,995

Gastric Banding

Invasiveness
Minimal
Excess Weight Loss*
40%
Rate of Weight Loss*
Slower
Average Procedure Time
Less than 1 hour
Typical Hospital Stay*
Out-patient
Insurance Coverage Available*
Yes
Financing Available
Yes
Self Pay Cost
$8,995

ESG

Invasiveness
Non-Invasive
Excess Weight Loss*
50%
Rate of Weight Loss*
Fast
Average Procedure Time
Less than 1 hour
Typical Hospital Stay*
Out-patient
Insurance Coverage Available*
No
Financing Available
Yes
Self Pay Cost
$8,995

Gastric Sleeve

Invasiveness
Minimal
Excess Weight Loss*
65%-70%
Rate of Weight Loss*
Fast
Average Procedure Time
Less than 1 hour
Typical Hospital Stay*
Out-patient
Insurance Coverage Available*
Yes
Financing Available
Yes
Self Pay Cost
$9,995

Gastric Bypass

Invasiveness
Minimal
Excess Weight Loss*
65%-70%
Rate of Weight Loss*
Fast
Average Procedure Time
2 hours
Typical Hospital Stay*
1 night
Insurance Coverage Available*
Yes
Financing Available
Yes
Self Pay Cost
$11,995

Duodenal Switch

Invasiveness
Minimal
Excess Weight Loss*
80%
Rate of Weight Loss*
Fastest
Average Procedure Time
2-3 hours
Typical Hospital Stay*
1 night
Insurance Coverage Available*
Yes
Financing Available
Yes
Self Pay Cost
*Call for pricing
Invasiveness Non-Invasive Minimal Non-Invasive Minimal Minimal Minimal
Excess Weight Loss* 20-40lbs 40% 50% 65%-70% 65%-70% 80%
Rate of Weight Loss* Slow Slower Fast Fast Fast Fastest
Average Procedure Time Less than 30 minutes Less than 1 hour Less than 1 hour Less than 1 hour 2 hours 2-3 hours
Typical Hospital Stay* Out-patient Out-patient Out-patient Out-patient 1 night 1 night
Insurance Coverage Available* No Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Financing Available Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Self Pay Cost $5,995 $8,995 $8,995 $9,995 $11,995 *Call for Pricing

Gastric Sleeve

SELF PAY PRICING $9,995 – PAYMENTS AS LOW AS $238 A MONTH WITH QUALIFIED FINANCING*

Gastric Sleeve costs include:

  • Surgeon’s professional fees
  • Anesthesia
  • Facility fees

*Additional testing and fees may apply. Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone, excluding taxes and interest. Patients must qualify via an approved independent medical lender. Loan offers are given by independent lenders based on approved credit and not everyone will qualify. The lowest possible financing price is $238 per month for 60 months, with current lender terms and conditions for the advertised price for applicants with qualifying credit.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you would like to talk to Dr. Doucette about your options for a healthier life, you may schedule a consultation by calling (256) 880-1977. Our staff is dedicated to helping you succeed, from answering your questions about insurance and financing options to providing ongoing support throughout your journey.

Free Insurance Check

*results may vary

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve

How much does gastric sleeve cost?

At Alabama Surgical Associates, we believe that improved health should be within everyone’s reach. This is why we offer some of the most competitive self-pay pricing for patients whose bariatric surgery is not covered by their insurance or who wish to streamline the weight loss surgery process. Learn more about the price of gastric sleeve surgery, and also let us help you investigate payment options designed to fit any budget.

Will insurance cover my gastric sleeve?

Medical insurance plans often cover bariatric surgery procedures like gastric sleeve, as they are deemed medically necessary for many of our patients. We offer a free insurance check to help you learn whether your insurance plan will cover your procedure.

What are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery?

Any surgical procedure is associated with some risks and potential complications, but trusting your health to a doctor as experienced as Dr. Doucette can help patients feel confident in the outcome of their procedures. Risks of VSG surgery may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Staple line leak
  • Reactions to anesthesia
  • Blood clots
  • Hernias
  • Malnutrition
  • Wound leakage
  • Respiratory problems
  • Low blood sugar
  • Reflux (G.E.R.D.)
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.