VERTICAL SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY Diagram

FOOD
STAPLES
GASTRIC SLEEVE
SMALL INTESTINE
PORTION OF STOMACH REMOVED

What is gastric sleeve?

The gastric sleeve procedure, also called a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is done by making four to five small incisions in the upper abdomen. Laparoscopic instruments and a camera are used to remove a majority of the stomach, reducing the volume from one liter to 100 ml. This 90% reduction in stomach volume provides the feeling of being full with less food intake. The portion of the stomach which is removed produces the appetite stimulation hormone called ghrelin. This additional benefit will help you feel fuller, longer.

The surgery typically lasts one to two hours and you will stay in the hospital overnight to introduce your stomach to lower volume liquid consumption.

Long-term weight loss is achieved through controlling appetite, caloric intake and lifestyle changes.

Conservative approach

Surgery should only be considered after other attempts for weight loss have been tried.

You should speak with your Primary Care Provider about non-surgical weight loss options as well.
They include:
• Lifestyle modifications
• Diet and exercise
• Medical weight loss, including prescription medication

Support

Syringa Hospital & Clinics uses a team approach to aid and support patients throughout the gastric sleeve surgery process. The bariatric team members work together to help you navigate the various physical, emotional and mental aspects of gastric sleeve surgery.

Before having surgery, you'll meet with a bariatric program coordinator to help you get ready for surgery, and life after surgery. You'll have nutritional counseling and a psychological readiness evaluation. A physical exam will be performed, and further testing may be needed.

How much does it cost?

Plan your gastric sleeve procedure:
• Is there a cash price available? YES
• Do some insurances cover this procedure? YES
• Is financing available through Syringa Hospital? NO
• Post-surgical stay: 1 night
• Typical recovery time: 5-7 days

The most valuable gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones is good health, and we are committed to helping people reach their weight loss goals in order to live longer, healthier, happier lives. Syringa Hospital & Clinics has special self-pay pricing for gastric sleeve procedures which is available for patients who don't have insurance coverage for weight loss surgery, or those who prefer to self-pay in order to avoid the obstacles and waiting periods frequently associated with insurance.

Our special self-pay price of $7,000 for gastric sleeve surgery includes*:
• Facility center fee
• Surgeon fee
• Anesthesia fee
• Post-operative follow-up with Dr. Smith in the first 90 days.
• Associated paperwork for employer or short term disability completion.

*Additional fees will incur in the unlikely event of complications

Is it right for you?

Gastric sleeve surgery is used to treat severe obesity and is advised for people who have tried other weight loss methods without long-term success. The procedure can be performed for patients of all ages, and the most common recipients are adults between 18 and 65 years old.

You may be eligible for this surgery if:
• You are committed to losing weight and maintaining your weight loss through lifestyle and diet changes.
• You have tried to lose weight by eating healthy, exercising, and taking relevant medications
• You have conditions or illness exacerbated by morbid obesity, such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, and many others
• You understand the financial obligation as many insurance companies do not cover this procedure

Your bariatric nurse/surgeon will discuss with you if you are eligible for this type of weight loss surgery.

A gastric sleeve should be recognized as a permanent procedure as it cannot be reversed.

Achieving success

Achieving success with weight loss surgery requires more than making physical changes to your body. A vital component of getting the most from the gastric sleeve involves participation with a professional medical team providing ongoing patient support throughout all the bariatric process stages, including:
• Nutritional counseling & lifestyle support
• Physical therapy & exercise instruction
• Psychological counseling
• Support groups

Meet Dr. Barry Smith

Barry Smith, D.O. completed his fellowship in bariatric surgery at the Bariatric Medical Institute of Texas through the University of Texas Health Sciences Center of Houston, TX. His fellowship was in minimally invasive and robotic surgery as part of the bariatric training. With well over a thousand cases in longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, and Duodenal Switch he is prepared to provide services at Syringa.

Dr. Smith's objectives are to maximize obese patients' physical, mental, and emotional well-being with weight loss surgery, dietary modification, and lifestyle alterations by establishing a Bariatric Center of Excellence at Syringa Hospital & Clinics in Grangeville, ID.


Tried everything? Could surgical weight loss be the right option for you?

For more information or to schedule a consultation call the Primary Care Clinic at 208-983-8590