Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy - The NO Maintenance Procedure

Overview

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a new procedure that combines effective weight loss and low maintenance without having to rely on implanted device. The surgery is performed by reducing the size of the stomach. The stomach is made smaller by stapling so that it takes the shape of a sleeve that will act as a new smaller stomach. The reduced size generates weight loss because less food can be eaten without any bypass of the intestines.

How It Works

The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) or sometimes called Laparoscopic is designed to restrict food intake without interfering with the body’s normal digestive processes. Unlike gastric bypass, there is no cutting or rerouting of the small intestines. Your stomach will be much smaller than your original stomach; the quantity of food eaten is greatly reduced because you have this feeling that you are already full. Food directly goes to the new “sleeve” stomach and passes on into the small intestines, where normal digestion then occurs. The excess stomach volume is removed. This helps patients control their hunger.

The sleeve gastrectomy is considered a “low maintenance” type procedure in that no adjustments are required. The procedure generates weight loss solely through reduced stomach volume.

Consequently, follow-up appointments with your surgeon are fewer than that of a band; however, due to the decreased capacity for eating food in the same volume as before surgery, follow-up with your surgeon is vitally important to achieve desired weight loss and to maintain appropriate levels of micro- nutrients.

Another reason why this procedure is considered no maintenance is that with this type of procedure there is no slippage. Aside from that you will not experience any erosion unlike with other procedure like that of lap banding where the band makes contact.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy does not require disconnecting or reconnecting the intestines. It is a technically simpler operation than the gastric bypass or the duodenal switch. Some data also suggest that the operation may be safer than gastric bypass or duodenal switch

Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Typical weight loss of 2-4 pounds per week
• Reduced capacity to eat large volumes of food
• No “dumping syndrome” as in the gastric bypass
• No band adjustments as with the gastric band
• Fewer follow-up appointments than with the gastric band
• Minimal impact on the anatomy (intestines are not affected)
• Low risk of complications
• Procedure is done laparoscopically
• Proven success
• Excellent at-home support
• Typical recovery period of 7 to 14 days
• Normal digestion and absorption of food energy and nutrition.

LSG (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) has emerged as a restrictive operation, but its ability to extend beyond that through hormonal modifications raises a promise that it will play a leading role in the future of bariatric surgery, either as a sole operation or as part of a more extended procedure.

Although it has promising effects, LSG operation is a permanent procedure and is irreversible. Complications may develop but they are rare cases.

Large and rapid weight loss and very few complications make Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery a smart choice for weight loss in many patients.