If you are searching for a weight-loss surgery option that is less invasive than traditional gastric bypass but still effective, laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy may be what you’re looking for. Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is also known as a gastric sleeve. It is an irreversible procedure in which about 80 percent of your stomach is removed surgically. The remaining portion resembles a banana and is much smaller.

VSG is considered less invasive than roux-en-y gastric bypass because your intestines are not rearranged and you have a reduced chance of malnutrition. Much like gastric bypass, VSG works by reducing the size of your stomach and the amount of food that you can eat. It also affects gut hormones and changes your body’s chemical pathways and metabolism, which helps you feel satisfied with less food and improves your body’s blood sugar control.

At St. Elizabeth Physicians Weight Management Center we understand that committing to weight-loss surgery can be a life-changing decision that you don’t take lightly. The Information Session about our weight-loss surgery program can answer your questions and help you determine if VSG is for you. We want to be your partner throughout your weight-loss journey.

Is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy for You?

VSG could be a good choice for you if you have a substantial amount of weight to lose but are not a good candidate for gastric bypass roux-en-surgery.

Remember, weight-loss surgery shouldn’t be considered a quick fix. After surgery, it is recommended to change your eating and lifestyle habits. This includes eating healthy foods, controlling your portion sizes and exercising regularly to achieve maximum weight-loss.

Your bariatric specialist may recommend VSG if you have:

VSG at St. Elizabeth Physicians is done laparoscopically. Your surgery is performed by two experienced bariatric doctors who work as a team to ensure you have the best outcome possible. We also use the da Vinci robotic surgical system for VSG procedures, giving our surgeons the ability to make delicate, precise movements that are not possible in a typical bariatric surgical procedure.

This typically results in:

You can expect to go home two days after your VSG. You should be able to drink clear liquids the day after surgery. By the time you leave, you should be eating a puréed diet.

What Can I Expect After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Our bariatric team includes registered dietitians who will develop a diet plan that is tailored to your needs and gives you maximum nutrition without slowing down your weight-loss efforts. You can expect to feel full after eating only a small amount of food or liquid.

VSG has a high success rate. Most people lose between 60 to 65 percent of their excess body weight within two years of having the procedure.

We understand how difficult it can be to start a weight-loss program and we promise to walk beside you every step of this life-changing journey. The positive impact weight-loss can have on your health cannot be overestimated. It is not uncommon for you to experience improvement in many medical conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes

At St. Elizabeth Physicians we understand your weight-loss efforts don’t end with surgery. We offer behavior modification services, support groups and post-operative counseling to ensure you have the greatest chance of success.

Your success is our success!