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The Metabolic Surgery Center at Baptist Hospital, Centennial Center for the Treatment of Obesity and Vanderbilt Center for Surgical Weight Loss have all begun offering a fourth surgical option for weight loss ... the sleeve gastrectomy –– a minimally-invasive restrictive procedure, which removes a large portion of the stomach, so that it takes the shape of a "sleeve" or tube without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. In addition to the hospital-based weight loss centers, Murfreesboro Surgical Specialists are also performing the procedure.

Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is typically used as an alternative to the Lap-Band procedure or as a first step for severely obese patients who have the intention of later undergoing gastric bypass or duodenal switch procedures. Five tiny incisions coupled with a sophisticated camera allow surgeons to excise much of the stomach with minimal tissue damage and fewer complications. The resulting smaller stomach requires much less food to feel "full" and therefore limits intake. The smaller stomach also means less ghrelin, also known as the "appetite hormone," is produced so those who have undergone the procedure feel less hungry.

"The sleeve procedure is a relatively new option for patients in the United States, but it is proving to be as effective as the other weight loss surgery options," said Charles Morton, MD, director of the Metabolic Surgery Center at Baptist. "Every patient is different and we work with them to choose the procedure that best fits their needs. These procedures can be very effective, but they also require a commitment from the patient and lifestyle change in order to reach their full potential."

Tennessee is ranked among the nation's most obese states with more than 30 percent of adults reporting a body mass index of greater or equal to 30. In Tennessee, 30.1 percent of the population is considered obese. The procedure is still considered "experimental" by some insurance carriers so physicians and patients should verify coverage options.

Tags:

Centennial Center for the Treatment of Obesity, Charles Morton, ghrelin, Lap-Band, Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Metabolic Surgery Center at Baptist Hospital, Murfreesboro Surgical Specialists, Vanderbilt Center for Surgical Weight Loss

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