Gastric Sleeve Specialist

What are the different types of bariatric weight loss surgery?

When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Renfrow, you will explore if weight loss surgery is right for you. The decision will be based on your medical history, your current body mass index, and your goals. Then, you and Dr. Renfrow can decide the best procedure for you.

The gastric sleeve procedure known as the sleeve gastrectomy, is the most popular weight loss surgery in the United States. The stomach is reduced to 20% of its original size and the remaining portion is removed. The procedure is completed in about 60 minutes.

The gastric sleeve procedure combines both the shrinking of the stomach as well as redirecting a portion of the small intestine tract.

The gastric band procedure, known as the Lap-Band, was very popular at one point, but due to higher, long-term complication rates, it is no longer a popular procedure. A small number of patients may still benefit from the Lap-Band procedure. The procedure involves placing an inflatable band around the top portion of the stomach. There is no rerouting or alteration of the small intestine tract.

How is a gastric sleeve performed?

A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure using very tiny incisions and a camera, in which the size of the stomach is reduced. This allows one to feel full and satisfied after eating smaller meal portions. The result is rapid weight loss and a long-term change in the way you eat meals.

During the procedure, the greater portion of the stomach (about 80 percent) is removed, resulting in a smaller, tubular stomach. The new stomach tube will not stretch as much, and can only hold up to five oz of food at any given time. This helps a patient feel satisfied after eating just a small amount of food.

In addition, there is a hormonal and physiologic weight loss effect. The greater part of the stomach that is surgically removed, produces a hormone called ghrelin. Known as the “hunger hormone”, it is responsible for creating the sensation of hunger. Without this hormone, one’s appetite normally decreases significantly.

Uncontrollable hunger cravings will disappear.

What does the gastric sleeve cost?

The cash pay cost of a gastric sleeve is $11,800.

There are no hidden fees. It includes the hospital fee, surgical fee, anesthesia fee, pathology reports, and nutrition plan. Financing options are conveniently available.

Regain control of your health now. If you have struggled with weight loss and have considered surgery, we can help you achieve your goals. If you have any questions, feel free to call us anytime to schedule a consultation.

Contact Dr. Renfrow today to schedule your consultation.