Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a surgical weight-loss procedure that involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow "sleeve" or tube-like stomach.

Procedure Overview

The VSG procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, which involves making several small incisions in the abdomen. A camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions to visualize and perform the surgery.

The surgeon will:

• Remove approximately 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve-like stomach
• Use staples or sutures to close the remaining stomach tissue
• Remove any excess stomach tissue

Purposes and Benefits

The primary purpose of VSG is to help individuals with obesity lose weight and improve related health conditions, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis

The benefits of VSG include:

• Significant weight loss, typically 60-80% of excess body weight
• Improved glucose control and reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms of sleep apnea
• Enhanced overall health and well-being

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, VSG carries risks and potential complications, including:

• Bleeding or hemorrhage
• Infection
• Leakage from the staple line
• Bowel obstruction
• Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Post-Operative Care and Follow-Up

After VSG, patients typically require:

• A short hospital stay (1-3 days) for monitoring and recovery
• A liquid diet for several weeks to allow the stomach to heal
• A gradual transition to solid foods over several months
• Regular follow-up appointments with their surgeon and healthcare team
• Lifetime vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies

Candidacy and Pre-Operative Evaluation

To be considered a candidate for VSG, individuals typically must:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with related health conditions
• Have attempted weight loss through other means (e.g., diet, exercise, medication) without success
• Undergo a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, including:
• Medical history and physical examination
• Laboratory tests (e.g., blood work, imaging studies)
• Psychological evaluation
• Nutritional counseling