Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is one of three bariatric surgery procedures performed at Dignity Health’s Sacramento-area hospitals to help qualified patients achieve their weight loss goals.
What Is Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure that removes 85 percent of the stomach, leaving a sleeve or banana-shaped stomach. Although this surgery drastically reduces the size of the stomach, it will still function normally afterward.
Since sleeve gastrectomy does not involve any bypass of the intestinal tract, it can be performed using a minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgical technique.
What Are the Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy?
There are many benefits to sleeve gastrectomy as a surgical weight loss option:
- It does not affect stomach function
- It eliminates the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for feelings of hunger. The surgery removes the portion of the stomach responsible for making this hormone.
- It reduces how much food you can eat after surgery, but places fewer restrictions on what types of food you can eat, unlike the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
What Type of Support Can I Expect with Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Undergoing bariatric surgery is only one stop on your road to weight loss and improved health. At Dignity Health Sacramento, our bariatric surgeons, specialists and support staff help you every step of the way. We help you decide which bariatric surgery is right for you and stay with you after surgery as you make lifestyle changes. Our services include:
- Introductory education session
- Physician consultation
- Nutrition counseling
- Post-surgery support
It is important to note that the sleeve gastrectomy is still considered a new procedure and may not be covered by all health insurance plans. If this is the bariatric surgery option you and your surgeon decide is best for you, talk with your health insurance provider to determine your coverage.