A vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), often referred to as sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at significant weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach.
Understanding Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)
VSG, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric surgical procedure where approximately 80% of the stomach is removed. The remaining portion of the stomach is a narrow, vertical "sleeve" resembling a banana. This smaller stomach restricts the amount of food a person can eat, leading to weight loss.
How VSG Works
- Stomach Size Reduction: The most significant impact is the reduction of the stomach to about 3-4 ounces. This greatly limits the amount of food a person can consume in one sitting.
- Ghrelin Reduction: The procedure also lowers levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, potentially reducing feelings of hunger.
Key Benefits of VSG
- Significant Weight Loss: Patients typically experience substantial weight loss after VSG.
- Improved Health Conditions: Often leads to improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
- Minimally Invasive: Typically performed laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
In Summary
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) is a weight-loss surgery that reduces the size of the stomach and decreases hunger hormones, leading to reduced food intake and subsequent weight loss.
