Gastric sleeve surgery with Norton Weight Management Services offers patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana support before and after your procedure to to help you succeed.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a laparoscopic procedure that removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a tubular pouch resembling a banana. The new stomach pouch will hold considerably less food, reducing the amount of food that can be consumed. The surgery also seems to have an effect on the hormones that affect hunger, feeling full and blood sugar.

Gastric sleeve surgery may not be performed laparoscopically for every patient. Patients with a very high body mass index (BMI) or who have had extensive previous abdominal surgery may require a traditional open surgery. Safety, not incision size, is the most important concern during this operation.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve

Sleeve gastrectomy surgery has proved to be a reliable solution for major weight loss. Generally, patients lose around 60% to 70% of their excess weight and, like gastric bypass surgery, the procedure offers faster results compared with gastric band surgery, although it is more invasive. Individual weight loss results will vary. As with all weight loss procedures, participation in Norton Weight Management Services’ support network is vital to your success. Patients who join our monthly support groups and keep in contact with program staff report higher rates of success.

Potential Complications

All surgeries come with risks of complications — some minor and some severe. Patients should discuss potential complications and risks with their physician.

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the risk of major complications from sleeve gastrectomy is low (about 2%). Talk with your physician about all the potential risks and complications from sleeve gastrectomy, which may include:

• Bleeding – can be mild, moderate or heavy
• Death – 1% to 2% risk
• Heart attack – occurs when the heart does not get enough blood
• Hernia – a bulge at the incision site
• Leakage where the staples were placed
• Pulmonary embolism – a blood clot that travels to the lungs
• Stricture – abnormal tightening where the stomach and intestine are sewn together
• Stroke – occurs when the brain does not get enough blood
• Wound infection – especially with a traditional open incision

Gastric Sleeve Cost

Many insurance plans cover all or part of gastric sleeve surgery. The gastric sleeve surgery cost for uninsured patients is approximately $23,000, including hospital, physician, anesthesiology and radiology services. If additional care is required for any complications, additional charges may apply.

Start Your Journey With a Free Seminar

If you’re considering life-changing weight loss surgery, be sure to join us for a free informational session. A bariatric surgeon will help explore your options, answer any questions and see if we can help you start feeling and living your best.

Why Norton Weight Management Services?

No health system in Louisville or Southern Indiana has been providing weight loss surgery and medical weight loss care longer than Norton Weight Management Services.

• Norton Weight Management Services is recognized for superior care by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ by Anthem for expertise and efficiency in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). These designations may be a requirement of your health insurance provider.
• We are experienced with a full range of the latest weight loss surgery options, including gastric bypass, gastric banding and gastric sleeve.
• Our weight loss services include guidance through the life-changing process and support through your lifelong commitment to health.
• Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons perform more than 500 procedures each year.
• We typically use minimally invasive procedures, meaning most patients have just a few small incisions and may experience less pain, fewer complications and faster recovery.
• Our comprehensive approach means you’ll be connected with the Norton Healthcare system — the largest in Louisville and Southern Indiana.
• Our providers put you first with educational seminars, support groups, presurgical visits and testing, spacious patient rooms, a demonstration kitchen, and more at our Dupont Road location.
• Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is recognized for superior care by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. It is also designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ by Anthem for expertise and efficiency in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). These designations may be a requirement of your health insurance provider.