Gastric Sleeve Surgery Procedure in Connecticut

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve resection, is relatively new, yet safe, weight loss surgery. Sometimes a sleeve gastrectomy is performed as a first stage operation in patients with a body mass index that may preclude initially having other weight loss surgeries. This procedure allows patients to reach a healthy weight and then undergo other procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or duodenal switch. Patients can also achieve a great deal of success when the gastric sleeve is done as a stand-alone procedure without a more invasive procedure such as the gastric bypass.

During the procedure, Dr. Ehrlich uses laparoscopic techniques to make the stomach pouch smaller. A signification portion of the stomach is removed so that it becomes shaped like a tube. This obesity surgery induces weight loss by reducing the stomach volume so patients eat less. Although much of the stomach is removed, it functions normally. A sleeve gastrectomy requires no bypassing or rerouting of the intestine like gastric bypass does.

Gastric Sleeve Results in Connecticut

Patients who undergo gastric sleeve surgery as a standalone procedure can expect to lose approximately 60-80 percent of their excess body weight within the first 2 years after surgery. Those who fail to lose this amount of weight are typically generally heavier to begin with and may be candidates for a secondary procedure such as a gastric bypass. With the proper diet and lifestyle changes, however, sleeve gastrectomy patients can demonstrate continual weight loss following surgery.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Complications

Although the gastric sleeve procedure is relatively new as a standalone procedure, it has been performed for years as the first step in a gastric bypass surgery and is therefore safe. Still, patients who undergo obesity surgery in Connecticut should be aware of some potential concerns: 

• This procedure involves stomach stapling so leaks can occur
• The stomach pouch can stretch and patients my experience weight regain
• Soft foods, such as ice cream, will not fill you up and all calories will be absorbed
• Risks associated with any surgery

Sleeve Gastrectomy Cost at Our Connecticut Center

In many cases gastric sleeve surgery is covered by health insurance. Some insurance companies, however, still consider this surgery investigational and do not cover it. The staff at Ehrlich Bariatrics in Connecticut can help you decipher the insurance paperwork and work toward your approval. In the case where you are denied coverage, Ehrlich Bariatrics can connect you with a financing company that specializes in weight loss surgery.

Connecticut Gastric Sleeve Surgeons

Ehrlich Bariatrics is your best option for weight loss surgery procedures in Connecticut. Dr. Ehrlich has experience treating over 2,000 patients. He uses the most advanced obesity treatments available and his caring and supportive staff can guide you through the process. Register for a free seminar to learn how you can achieve weight loss success.