Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery: A Weight-Loss Option

A vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery is a surgical procedure done to promote weight loss. A sleeve surgery is commonly performed on individuals who are extremely obese—individuals whose body mass index reaches 40 or above. A gastric bypass or a duodenal switch is usually too risky for such individuals; a vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a much safer option.

Who Needs to Undergo Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?

            Extremely obese individuals usually go through a two-stage procedure to ensure appropriate weight loss. First, the sleeve surgery is done, which is followed by conversion into a gastric bypass or a duodenal switch.  If he/she loses enough weight after the first operation, the second surgery is withheld.

How is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Done?

 

            A vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery is ideally done in a sterile operating room. The patient is put under general anesthesia. A gastric sleeve surgery is usually a laparoscopic procedure. A laparoscopic procedure requires only small incisions; a device similar to a video camera is inserted through the incision. A monitor is used to view the site of surgery as well as to magnify the surgical elements.

            A vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery is ideally done using laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic techniques lessen the risk of the acquiring infection and minimize the amount of time needed for recovery. However, in some situations, patients are required to have open surgeries. There are also cases wherein, a laparoscopic surgery is converted to an open procedure.

            A vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery begins by creating several incisions about half an inch long in the stomach area. The instruments are then inserted through the incisions. The surgeon will then proceed to removing about 75% of the stomach, the sphincter muscles at the top and end of the stomach are left untouched. Usually, only 25% of the stomach left, leaving a stomach which is just about the size of a banana. The sides of the stomach are then stapled together.

            The surgeon then makes sure that the staples are perfectly holding the stomach together and that no leaks are present. After that, the instruments are withdrawn and the incisions are sutured up.

            Of course, as with any major operations, there may exist complications. However, individuals who have undergone Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery have shown significant weight loss and health improvements; most of them lose about 55% of their original weight after the surgery.

Before you launch into any weight loss regime or surgery, make sure you find out everything you need to know or else it can be long, painful and expensive.  Don't jump into it before visiting Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  It's the number one resource on the internet.