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home icon Weight Loss Surgery / Weight Loss Options / Gastric Sleeve

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 a 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:
*Individual Results May Vary

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 ghrelin, a hormone that regulates appetite, cravings, and blood sugar.1.

Faster Recovery

Because our surgeon performs gastric sleeve surgery laparoscopically, patients experience shorter hospitals, faster healing, and less scarring.2*

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

Up to 70% of gastric sleeve patients see an improvement or total remission of their type 2 diabetes.3.

Resolved Sleep Apnea

The vast majority of patients previously diagnosed with sleep apnea are able to stop wearing CPAP masks after gastric sleeve surgery.4

Resolution of High Blood Pressure

Following gastric sleeve surgery, full remission of high blood pressure was noted in 71.7% of patients.4

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.

Learn More About Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

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.

Man in a polo walking through the park in the sunshine

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Results

Following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the average patient loses 66% of their excess weight.6 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
  • Has a BMI (body mass index)of 35-40 with concurrent obesity-related health conditions

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.

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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.

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.

 

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Sleeve

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
  • Infection
  • Staple line leakage
  • Anesthesia reactions
  • Blood clots
  • Hernias
  • Malnutrition
  • Wound leakage
  • Respiratory complications
  • Low blood sugar
  • Heartburn and acid reflux (G.E.R.D.)

Schedule Your Weight Loss Surgery 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 Huntsville, Alabama staff is dedicated to helping you succeed, from answering your questions about insurance and financing options to providing ongoing support throughout your journey.

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*results may vary

 

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.