Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)
Given
the increased incidents of morbid obesity in the United States, the
popularity of surgical procedures to deal with weight loss has
skyrocketed. One of these weight loss surgeries is the vertical sleeve
gastrectomy, or VSG. Below are some common questions that people have
concerning this particular loss surgery.
What is a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)?
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery that limits the
amount of food the stomach can hold. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy can
also be referred to as a sleeve gastrectomy, vertical gastrectomy,
greater curvature gastrectomy, or gastric reduction.
How does a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) work?
During the vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure, the surgeon reduces
the size of the stomach by 85%. Given the drastic reduction of stomach
capacity and the manner in which the surgery is performed, a vertical
sleeve gastrectomy is irreversible.
Since a vertical sleeve gastrectomy limits the stomach's capacity, it is
classified as a restrictive weight loss surgeons procedure. This differs
from the two other kinds of weight loss surgery: malabsorptive
procedures (reduces the amount of calories the body absorbs by altering
the digestion process) and combination procedures (a combination of
restrictive and malabsorptive techniques).
Who is a good candidate for a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)?
Good candidate for a vertical sleeve gastrectomy are those who are extremely obese, such as people with a index
(BMI) of 40 or greater. There are a number of BMI calculators online
that you can use to determine your BMI, but it is best to consult with
your physician before considering any sort of major surgery such as the
vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
What are the risks and benefits of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)?
One of the risks of vertical sleeve gastrectomy is that patients often
have difficulty with digesting foods that are high in fiber or with a
more dense consistency. Some patients may eat junk foods rather than healthier foods once the surgery is complete, which may
slow down weight loss. Beyond the usual risks of infection that follow
any surgery, the biggest disadvantage of the surgery is that is
irreversible. Since all but 15% of the stomach is removed, there is no
way to go back.
One of the major benefits of vertical sleeve gastrectomy is that those
who undergo the procedure do not experience the nutritional deficiencies
that are usually associated with malabsorptive weight loss surgeries.
Another benefit is that vertical sleeve gastrectomy does not cause
dumping syndrome, a condition in which the lower sections of the small intestine fill with undigested food from the stomach, causing dizziness, nausea, fatigue, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
Author: Find out more about the procedure by contacting an obesity surgery center in Dallas. An experienced weight loss surgeon can help you determine which restrictive weight loss procedure is right for you.
