The Sleeve Gastrectomy – often called the vertical or Gastric Sleeve – is performed by removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach is a long slender pouch that resembles a sleeve-like tube. The stomach capacity is greatly reduced, leaving you feeling full after eating only a small portion, which results in weight loss. No other part of the intestine is altered with this procedure. As with the gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy is performed laparoscopically, and Drs. Averbach, Hamdallah, and Swift will work with you to see if this option is right for you.
This sleeve gastrectomy procedure works in two ways. First, the new stomach holds a considerably smaller volume than the normal stomach and helps to significantly reduce the amount of food (and thus calories) that can be consumed. The surgery also affects gut hormones that control hunger, satiety, and blood sugar control.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of the gastric sleeve lies in the fact that it does not involve any bypass of the intestinal tract avoiding the chance of intestinal obstruction. It also makes it a suitable form of surgery for patients who previously had bowel resection or are already suffering from Crohn’s disease and a variety of other conditions that would place them at high risk for surgery involving intestinal bypass.
For patients with a particularly high body mass index (typically 50+) many forms of weight loss surgery are either difficult to perform or present increased risk. As a result, vertical sleeve gastrectomy in Baltimore is sometimes performed as the first of a two-part weight loss procedure – Duodenal switch.
For obese patients with a relatively low body mass index the vertical sleeve gastrectomy can also prove a good choice, especially where existing conditions (such as anemia or Crohn’s disease) prevent them from having other forms of bariatric surgery. In addition, patients may choose this form of surgery if they are concerned about the long-term affects of bypass surgery.
Morbidly obese patients prior to bariatric surgery suffer from a higher frequency of reflux symptoms compared to the general population. To minimize risk of significant GERD after bariatric surgery , we actively screen patients for symptoms of reflux and hiatal hernia. If detected, we repair it at the time of bariatric procedure. This approach minimizes risk of possible delayed surgery for this condition and greatly improve their quality of life after bariatric surgery.
Morbidly obese patients are known to have a higher frequency of Gallbladder disease both prior to and after bariatric surgery compared to the general population. Asymptomatic gall stones can cause acute inflammation with significant weight loss after bariatric surgery in 30-40% of patients. It is our policy to actively screen patients for gall bladder problems prior to surgery and if anything is detected (gall stones, chronic cholecystitis due to dyskinesia, cholesterol polyps), removal of the gall bladder at the time of main bariatric procedure might be recommended. Consequently, risk of repeat surgery for gall bladder surgery later on is avoided. If no problems with the gall bladder are detected, after bariatric surgery patients are treated with Ursodiol or Actigall for first six months after bariatric surgery to prevent problems with the gall bladder.
The average cost of gastric sleeve surgery depends on a wide variety of factors, insurance being an important one. If you want to get an estimate for how much gastric sleeve surgery will cost you, schedule a consultation with us and we’ll give you an accurate cost estimate.
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For more than 150 years, Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital has been dedicated to the art of healing by providing exceptional care to the greater Baltimore area. Built on a strong foundation of excellent medical care and compassion, Ascension Saint Agnes is committed to providing the best care for our patients for many years to come.
700 Geipe Road #274
Catonsville MD 21228
Phone: 667-234-8725
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