Kentucky's #1 Gastric Sleeve Program
The Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure in which approximately 85% of the stomach is removed. This is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a banana and measures from 2 to 5 ounces. This surgery greatly reduces production of the “hunger hormone” Grehlin. The result is a decreased appetite and hunger sensation.
Sleeve gastrectomy is ideal for patients who have very high medical risk, high weight or BMI, complex surgical histories or those who are fearful of potential complications from an intestinal bypass. This surgery is also ideal for lower BMI patients who wish to avoid a more complex intestinal bypass or are fearful of “cheating” the gastric band.
Sleeve patients can anticipate losing 50% of their excess body weight in the first year, bypass patients up to 70%, and band patients 20-30% of excess body weight. This procedure, like gastric banding and gastric bypass, is done laparoscopically. Laparoscopic surgery reduces the length of hospital stay and greatly reduces the incidence of many complications. All surgery carries risk, and complications can occur. We will discuss all surgical risks and the risks unique to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with you in your pre-op education classes.
- Insurance/Payment choices: Some insurance policies will cover this particular surgery, some will not. Please check with the insurance provider's customer service representative; that number can be found on the back of your insurance card.
- Hospital stay: Usually just an overnight stay, rarely patients require an extra night or two.
- Back to work: We recommend that you schedule one-two weeks off work for surgery and recovery. Your first follow-up appointment will be one week after surgery, and you should not return to work before that appointment.
- Diet and nutrition: You will be on a liquid diet for a short period of time before and a longer period of time after surgery. We will provide you with specific pre- and post-op nutritional guidelines during your nutrition consults and your pre-op classes.
- Medications: Stop taking hormones, herbals, birth control medications 30 days prior to surgery. You must wait 30 days after surgery to resume these medications. You will be required to stop taking blood thinning medications like plavix and anti-inflammatory medications including but not limited to Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, steroid pills, shots, and creams one week (7 days) prior to surgery. You will not resume these medications after surgery. Additionally, if any of your pills are larger than a plain M&M, ask your pharmacist if they may be crushed or cut into smaller pieces. Please start taking a multi-vitamin now if you are considering surgery. Medications will be discussed in greater detail in your pre-op education classes.