Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, also known simply as “the sleeve”, is a weight loss procedure. This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc).  The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume.  There is also removal of the upper part of the stomach known as the fundus.  This is the portion of the stomach that stretches and also produces the hunger hormone known as Grehlin.  This hormone stimulates your hunger and with removal of this portion of your stomach, your hunger is markedly decreased.  All of this is done through 5 small incisions similar to having your gallbladder removed.  

By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded.  Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions.  Also, no foreign body is implanted and no need to have "fills" or adjustments.

Benefits of "the sleeve"

Ø  Significant and sustained weight loss

Ø  60-80% excess weight loss in the first year

Ø  Improved health

Ø  Improved quality of life

Ø  Increased lifespan

Ø  Usually go home the day after surgery

Ø  Decreased appetite

Long Term Benefits of Weight Loss

Ø  Type II Diabetes - 83% resolved

Ø  Obstructive Sleep Apnea - 74-98% improved or resolved

Ø  High Blood Pressure - 52-92% resolved

Ø  Migraines - 57% resolved

Ø  Asthma - 82% improved or resolved

Ø  Mortality - 89% reduction of 5 year mortality rate

Advantages over the Gastric Bypass and Lap Band

Ø  No implanted device

Ø  No need for “fills” or adjustments

Ø  No “dumping” syndrome

Ø  Minimal to no nutritional deficiencies

Ø  No re-routing of intestines

Ø  Similar weight loss to gastric bypass after 5 years and better than the Lap Band

Ø  Lower mortality/morbidity than gastric bypass

Ø  No limitations to type of food long-term

Ø  Excellent procedure for patients who require anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDS such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.

Who is eligible to have the operation?

Ø  BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 35 with obesity related comorbidities (i.e. high blood pressure,  cardiac disease, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus)

Ø  Or BMI greater than 40 with or without obesity related comorbidities

Ø  Or be 100lbs over your ideal body weight

Ø  Ages 18-65

Ø  Weight less than 400lbs and BMI less than 55

Ø  Attempted weight loss by other means

Ø  Must have stopped smoking 6 weeks prior to the operation

Ø  No major cardiac or pulmonary problems (prohibiting general anesthesia)

Self Pay Options

We realize that many insurance plans do not cover the sleeve or any weight loss operation. We also realize that medical care is not inexpensive. Financing options through M-Lend Financial are available and we have had great success with them approving patients.  We have also teamed with Summit Medical Center to provide a very competitive self-pay package.

We do know that MEDICARE and MEDICAID do not cover the operation at this time.

The cost is $12,500 for 99% of patients.

 These self-pay prices are all-inclusive including:

1.        Surgical Consultation

2.        Nutrition evaluation

3.        Psychology evaluation (if needed)

4.        Pre-operative blood work and x-rays

5.        Surgeon, Pathologist, Radiologist and Anesthesiologist fees

6.        Overnight stay in the hospital and all hospital charges

7.        1 year of follow-up with Dr. Goodnight