The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a type of weight loss surgery procedure (also called Sleeve Gastrectomy or just the “Sleeve”) is successfully done by qualified bariatric surgeons in the U.S. and abroad.
Vertical Gastrectomy: How it Works
This procedure produces weight loss only by gastric restriction (decreased stomach volume). The newly restricted stomach is done by splitting it vertically and taking out upwards of 85% of it which by the way is an irreversible action. The stomach that remains has a tendency to resemble a banana and measures from 1-2 ounces (40-60cc) centered on the surgeon carrying out the procedure. The nerve fibres to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) are still intact for the purpose of safeguarding the stomach function while decreasing the fullness. In contrast to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided up, not extracted, and the pylorus is omitted. Another differnce is the the Roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure is reversible, if necessary. Note: this procedure has only a stomach reduction, not an intestinal bypass.
Advantages
- The volume of the stomach is reduced but typically operates the same so many foods are able to be consumed, although from now on, in just small amounts.
- It takes out the stomach area that makes the hormones that activates hunger(Ghrelin).
- No dumping syndrome because the pylorus is preserved.
- Decreases the risk of an ulcer happening.
- The risk of intestinal blockage (obstruction) is virtually none since the procedure avoids the intestinal bypass, so anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency are not a factor.
- Extremely effective as a primary phase procedure for high BMI patients (BMI>55 kg/m2). Of the few low BMI patients (BMI 35-45 kg/m2) results appear to be positive as a single phase procedure.
- Attractive choice for patients with existing anemia, Crohn’s disease and many other conditions that make them very high risk for intestinal bypass procedures.
- Can be performed laparoscopically in patients who weigh greater than 500 pounds.
Disadvantages
- Possibilities for insufficient weight loss or regaining the weight. This is true for all procedures, however, the possibility increases more with procedures that do not involve intestinal bypass.
- High BMI patients are more probable to have a second stage procedure later to help lose more weight. Two stages may in the final analysis be the safest and most effective way to go for high BMI patients.
- Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow down any weight loss.
- This procedure has stomach stapling and which makes leaks and other difficulties associated to stapling may happen.
- Due to the stomach being taken out, it is irreversible. It can be changed to basically any other weight loss procedure.
