Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Colorado Choice BariatricsTrue Outpatient Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Timothy Brown, M.D. and his staff treat patients who want to achieve weight loss through bariatric surgery, as well as patients with gastrointestinal conditions. He works with patients who are in need of weight loss through bariatric surgery (commonly called weight loss surgery). One of the most popular and successful minimally invasive weight-loss surgery procedures Dr. Brown, M.D. performs is the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). 

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery that is usually performed minimally-invasively using a laparoscope. This procedure is a purely restrictive operation and doesn't involve any bypassing of the intestines or gastrointestinal malabsorption.

Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) procedure is best for individuals who struggle with being overweight or obese. Studies have shown that the gastric sleeve is superior to the gastric band for long-term weight loss. Gastric sleeve is associated with less pain and scarring, so you can recover quickly.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Using a laparoscopic, or minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Timothy Brown, M.D. removes a large portion of the stomach (around 70-80%) and reshapes the remaining part into a long tube shaped like a slender banana, which creates a restrictive process in which patients can eat much less than before.

This involves making five or six small incisions in the abdomen and performing the procedure using a video camera (laparoscope) and long instruments that are placed through these small incisions. The new stomach pouch measures 2-5 ounces and is stapled.

This helps you feel full after eating a very small amount of food and stay full for an extended time. With a smaller stomach, you’ll need less food to feel full. The portion of the stomach that is removed is thought to be responsible for secreting Ghrelin, the hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger.

Your new, smaller stomach will no longer secrete the hormone that makes you crave food. That means no more out-of-control hunger cravings and raging appetites. That excess fat you’ve been carrying around will begin to melt off your body, revealing a slimmer, healthier you.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy has been proven to be a safe and effective operation, for those people who don’t want anatomic alteration of gastric bypass, nor a plastic insert, like lap band surgery. The combination of smaller helpings, reduced appetite, and less frequent meals results in weight loss.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Diagram

The benefits for patients seeing Dr. Timothy Brown, M.D. for their Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

  • True Outpatient Bariatric Surgery
  • Affordable and Safe
  • Lifelong Follow-up For Your Success

Patients who may consider the gastric sleeve include those who are

  • Considering a Lap Band or other procedure, but are concerned about adjustments or having a surgical device internally
  • Concerned of vitamin deficiency associated with other weight loss surgery procedures
  • Medical conditions that prevent them from having gastric bypass surgery

Outpatient Recovery Process

The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become recognized as a top-tier outpatient weight-loss surgical procedure for several reasons. It can be performed safely in less than an hour with a laparoscopic approach, like the other procedures. After a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, only a short stay at the surgery center is necessary (typically a few hours).

Patients feel pain for less than 24 hours, and 90% of patients are discharged on day 1 on clear liquids. By the time they are discharged their pain has become a discomfort, and they are usually discharged on acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.  Pain medication will be prescribed to address any pain and should be taken as prescribed.

Diet will change gradually, starting with cups of ice immediately after the procedure and moving to clear liquids. Soft foods will eventually be permissible, and solid food will be permissible after 8 weeks.

Patients should avoid physically strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks. However, walking is encouraged and will get easier with time. Patients should be gentle with their body while it is healing and will have decreased energy levels.

Patients must take time off from work, usually 2 to 4 weeks, to rest and recover. Regular follow-up appointments will be required to ensure that healing is going as expected. The full recovery process typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Costs

The average cost of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with Dr. Timothy Brown, M.D. at the Arkansas Valley Surgery Center in Cañon City, Colorado is $11,650. The cost includes anesthesia, the out-patient facility fee and surgeon’s fees. 

  • $2500 Surgeon Fee
  • $8000 Surgical Center Fee
  • $900 Anesthesia
  • $250 1st Assistant

Dr. Brown, M.D. accepts most insurances. Some health insurance companies may cover all or a portion of the cost of a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy if it’s related to a medical condition — like sleep apnea or heart disease — and you’ve been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise.

In most cases, you’ll need to have documented health issues related to being overweight that make weight loss surgery medically necessary. For patients with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs for a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy can include deductibles, coinsurance and copays. 

Watch an actual video of a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (age restricted due to YouTube's policies on graphic video).

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