Laparoscopic Sleeve Gasterctomy is a recent procedure (maximum follow up is 5 years) and removes 90% of the stomach and leaves a small portion of the stomach as a conduit. This involves staple division of stomach (which has same risks as bleeding and leakage as in gastric bypass) and removal of the large portion of the stomach. This is usually reserved for patinets with BMI more than 60, however good short term results are seen in all BMI groups. The advantage over the bypass is that the risks are minimized and the duration of the surgery is decreased. The long term coplcations such as marginal ulcer is also decreased. There is however higher chance of heartburn and GERD (reflux). This is done laparoscopically and in short term is nearly as effective as Gastric bypass and carries lower complication rates.

Most of the insurance companies at this time in Maryland are not covering Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. This surgery is considered by insurance companies as experimental or does not have enough long term results available to them. Cases are considered on an individual basis and sometimes insurance companies do approve them. Please let us know if you are interested in this procedure.

Please click here to see important links for the information. American Society of Metaboilc and Bariatric Surgery position statement.