Gastric Sleeve

Most often, patients are seeking gastric sleeve surgery to help alleviate the following obesity-related conditions:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Constant fatigue
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea

Advantages

• Rapid weight loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Food and nutrients continue to be absorbed
• Relatively fewer complications compared to other procedures

Disadvantages

• Not reversible
• Anatomy permanently altered

To be eligible for bariatric surgery, you must:

• Be at least 13 years old
• May be considered for those that have a BMI of 30 – 34.99 with a history of trying other diet methods unsuccessfully, including medically supervised dieting
• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, or have a BMI of 30 with type 2 diabetes

Each potential weight-loss surgery candidate is evaluated to determine whether he or she is a good candidate for a successful weight-loss outcome. In addition, each insurance company has candidate requirements.

Many insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover all or a portion of bariatric surgery when it is used to help address serious medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. However, insurance plans vary regarding surgery requirements and the amount of coverage provided.

Jackson’s bariatric surgery coordinators will work with you to help you better understand your situation,and to explore financing options if your insurance does not cover the surgery, or if you need assistance paying your share of the cost.

The self-pay option has a number of advantages. You may be able to schedule your surgery sooner, because many insurance plans require documented diet histories. Your cost may also be tax-deductible, though you should always review that with your tax advisor.

Weight loss will be different for every person based on the procedure they had performed, as well as each person’s health, weight prior to surgery, and how well each person adapts to a new lifestyle after surgery. Typically, patients can expect to lose weight quickly in the initial months, after which weight loss will be slower.

Once you qualify for our weight-loss program, our bariatric surgeons will discuss your surgical options. They will make recommendations based on factors, such as your medical history, current health, BMI and more.

All of our doctors perform various types of bariatric procedures. Gastric sleeve, known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most common because it generally has the fewest complications and the best weight-loss outcomes. The gastric band and gastric bypass are no longer considered best practices in bariatric surgery, and generally, physicians will counsel you towards other surgery options. However, there are circumstances that warrant these procedures.

When we do have seminars available, yes, they are in both English and Spanish.

Most patients begin their journey by calling 305-585-TRIM for a consultation. There, you can learn about general requirements for bariatric surgery, get an overview of insurance requirements, and complete a patient intake form. After that, the following process usually applies:

1. You will call and schedule a consultation appointment with the surgeon you’ve chosen. You can also call to to discuss your options and receive assistance choosing a surgeon.
2. You will meet with our bariatric coordinator, who will educate you about what to expect as you change your weight-loss story. You’ll be briefed on the changes you can expect, such as any medications you take, additional health and medical monitoring you may require, the psychological effects you may experience during your journey, the eating and nutritional changes you will have to make, and more.
3. You will have appointments with our nutritionist and psychologist.
4. You will complete pre-surgery testing, including lab work, an EKG, and a chest x-ray.
5. You will obtain clearance from your primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician, we can refer you to one.
6. There are financing options for those who don’t have insurance or can’t self-pay, and our finance team can help you through that process.
7. You will have your surgery in one of our two dedicated bariatric surgery centers. Both of our South Florida bariatric surgery centers are are rated as Accredited Comprehensive Centers by Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), conducted under the auspices of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
8. Most patients stay one night with us in the bariatric surgery center. This differs with each patient, but rest assured that all of our rooms are tailored toward bariatric patients (e.g., larger beds and toilets).
9. Before you leave, you’ll meet with our nutritionist, who will give you a personalized nutrition plan for your first month after surgery. You will also receive a personalized medical care plan, which will detail new recommendations for any medications you are taking, as well as appointments you have with other healthcare providers.
10. We encourage you to meet with your primary care doctor and specialist one to two days after your bariatric surgery.
11. While your surgery is complete, the process to change your weight-loss story is just beginning.
12. We encourage all of our patients to continue to consult with a nutritionist and a psychologist who have experience with weight-loss surgery. Your insurance may require these appointments. We’ll make sure you know what is required, what is covered and what we recommend.

The process from your consultation to surgery is typically around three months, although it can vary per person. Don’t worry: Our expert team will be with you throughout every step as you change your story.