The Sleeve Gastrectomy is a type of restrictive bariatric surgery, and is normally considered for patients with a BMI of 38+ or if the patient has had a previous lap band surgery that failed. Many sleeve patients experience an initial rapid weight loss, and within 1-2 years have significantly decreased or resolved all of their co-morbid conditions.

In this operation, the skin incisions are identical to lap band. The surgery is usually done laparscopically. It takes about two hours in people with a lap band and one hour for patients without previous stomach surgery. You spend one to three days in the hospital. The operation involves removal of part of the stomach. Before surgery, the stomach is shaped like a kidney bean and after surgery it looks like a banana. There is no re-routing of the intestines like the gastric bypass.

There are many good things about the sleeve. Firstly, there are no long term risks of erosion, slip, or infection that can be associated with band implantation. Also, there is no need for regular fills/adjustments like banded patients require with the sleeve. There is a significantly faster weight loss than with the lap band; overall, weight loss at five years is the same. One of the biggest upsides to the sleeve is that there is a larger variety of foods that are tolerated.

Along with the good points, there are several negatives that go along with the sleeve. The first of these is that the surgery is slightly riskier than the band. The most common complication after surgery is leakage, (1 out of 100) and requires a temporary drain. Afterwards, heartburn or reflux can occur.  In a small percentage of patients, dumping syndrome can occur as well. Lastly, the sleeve surgery is not reversible.

At the present time, the only insurance companies that cover the Sleeve Gastrectomy are Aetna, United Health Care, and Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield. They also will often cover the costs of any medically necessary procedures that are associated with obesity i.e., removal of gallbladder, hernia repair, and other procedures. Presently the out of pocket price for the sleeve is $11,700. This includes the surgical, hospital, basic labs and the anesthesiologist fee.

Dr. Jayaseelan is also performing the gastric bypass surgery.  Please call the office to find out more about the sleeve and bypass options.