Gastric Sleeve

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

Dr. Doucette and Dr. Foreman have 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 part of the stomach is removed. This results in a reduction of the volume, or amount of food, that the stomach can hold so patients feel full with less food and are able to consume fewer calories.*

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 surgeons are 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

70% of patients saw improvement or total remission of their type 2 diabetes after their sleeve gastrectomy*3.

Better Health

Patients often experience an improvement of conditions associated with obesity such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, hypertension, joint pain and high cholesterol.*4

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

On average, patients lose 66% of their excess body weight.*5

Many patients also experience reduced symptoms of type 2 diabetes, and other obesity related medical conditions.

Results vary from person to person and depend largely on an individual’s commitment to long term dietary changes and living a healthier, more active lifestyle. As with all surgical procedures, there is a small risk of complications.

What Happens During Surgery?

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 and Dr. Foreman then perform 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.

Post-Surgical Care

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.

Am I 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.

Calculate My BMI

Schedule Your Consultation

If you would like to talk to Dr. Doucette and Dr. Foreman 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

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.