Gastric Sleeve Surgery In Phoenix
Start Your Weight Loss Journey With Dignity Health Medical Group
Are You A Candidate For Weight Loss Surgery?
During a sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is divided vertically with a line of staples allowing a large portion of the stomach to be removed. This is usually done using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery. The remaining stomach is a long tube shaped like a slender banana and can hold between 1 and 5 ounces.
This procedure helps individuals lose weight by restricting the amount of food and calories that can be eaten at one time. The part of the stomach that is removed secretes a hormone called ghrelin which is partly responsible for appetite and hunger. Due to the decreased amount of ghrelin, sleeve gastrectomy patients experience a loss or reduction in appetite. This loss of appetite induced by sleeve gastrectomy surgery helps individuals achieve weight loss.
Shawn Stevenson, DO is the Phoenix Metro Area’s leader in weight loss procedures including gastric sleeve surgery. Learn about the advantages of gastric sleeve surgery and schedule your consultation today. We see patients from Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and the surrounding areas.
How Does the Gastric Sleeve Work?
This procedure works by several mechanisms. First, the new stomach pouch 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 greater impact, however, seems to be the effect the surgery has on gut hormones that impact a number of factors including hunger, satiety, and blood sugar control.
Short-term studies show that the sleeve is as effective as the roux-en-Y gastric bypass in terms of weight loss and improvement or remission of diabetes. There is also evidence that suggests the sleeve, similar to the gastric bypass, is effective in improving type 2 diabetes independent of the weight loss. The complication rates of the sleeve fall between those of the adjustable gastric band and the roux-en-y gastric bypass.
Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold
- Induces rapid and significant weight loss
- Requires no foreign objects or bypass of the food stream
- Involves a relatively short hospital stay of approximately 2 days.
- Causes favorable changes in gut hormones that reduce appetite
Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Who is qualified for gastric sleeve weight loss surgery?
You may be a candidate for weight-loss surgery if you meet any one of the following criteria:
- Weigh 100 lbs. more than your ideal body weight.
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more with no other obesity-related health conditions. Check your BMI using our calculator to see if you meet any of these requirements.
- Have a BMI between 35 and 40 and one other obesity-related health condition, such as High blood pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol, etc.
Want to see if you’re a candidate for gastric sleeve weight loss surgery? Take our 60-second assessment.
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Safe?
Although like with all major surgery there can be risks and complications, gastric sleeve surgery is widely considered a relatively safe procedure. Dr. Stevenson has over 20 years of experience performing safe weight loss surgeries, and will discuss any concerns or trepidations you may have prior to your procedure.
Does Insurance Cover Gastric Sleeve?
In many instances, insurance will fully or partially cover gastric sleeve surgery. Throughout the weight loss journey and prior to surgery, our team will work with you to verify insurance coverage through your provider. This includes incorporating any necessary pre-surgical steps, like and exercise and diet plans. For your convenience, our weight loss program accepts most major insurance carriers offered in the state of Arizona. We do accept cash pay and payment plans are offered if your insurance is not accepted or you do not have insurance.
Schedule a Weight Loss Consultation in Phoenix
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, gastric sleeve surgery may be the right option for you. Bariatric surgeons Shawn Stevenson, DO, Van Leavitt, DO, and Gregory Robertson, MD have extensive experience performing safe and effective gastric sleeve surgery. If you’re in the Phoenix area, contact Dignity Health Medical Group today to schedule a consultation in Chandler or Gilbert and get started on your weight loss journey.
