You must be morbidly obese (weighing at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 kg/m2) and between the age of 16-70 to be considered for vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).
There are many methods of losing weight; some of which are more efficient than others. For some people, merely changing their diet and level of activity is enough to attain their intended weight loss goal. However, for others, achieving their desired weight loss goal can seem unachievable.
If you are trying lose weight, VSG surgery could be an option for you if you meet the following criteria:
- Obesity is a problem for you, and diet and exercise are not helping.
- You have been diagnosed with a secondary medical problem as a result of your weight.
What is vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)?
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a bariatric weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach. Approximately 85% of the stomach is removed during the procedure, transforming it into a tiny sleeve or tube.
Because the surgery leaves you with a smaller stomach, you eat less and are satisfied sooner, allowing you to lose weight more successfully. During the procedure, a portion of the stomach containing hunger hormones (ghrelin) is removed, meaning that you will also have fewer cravings.
VSG surgery has the advantage of not altering the digestive tract. Therefore, patients do not often experience dumping syndrome and have a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Who is a candidate for VSG?
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is typically not recommended for casual dieters who only need to drop a few pounds. However, guidelines may differ from one physician to the next.
VSG is for people who have tried and failed to reduce weight in the past, are obese, at least 100 pounds overweight or have a BMI of more than 40 kg/m2. Those with health risk factors, such as diabetes, could be eligible for surgery if their BMI is between 30.0 and 39.9 and they are considered obese.
Other tests may be ordered to check that your body can withstand surgery and that your obesity is not caused by a medical problem that can be handled without surgery.
What are the advantages of VSG surgery?
According to recent studies, patients who undergo vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery can lose 40%-50% of excess body weight in the first year after surgery. However, individual results may vary.
VSG is a minimally invasive surgery that employs laparoscopic methods, resulting in less pain and a smaller scar than an open surgical procedure. The following are some of the other advantages of VSG surgery:
- No foreign body to slip, shatter, or erode, unlike some bariatric surgeries
- Reduced risk of scarring and complications
- Reduced healing time
- Reduced risk of malabsorption
- Improved in type II diabetes (approximately 80% of cases)
- Improved in hypertension
- Weight loss that lasts
- More self-confidence and self-esteem
Most people who have undergone bariatric weight loss surgery have found that their overall health improved as a result of the procedure, and they were able to spend more time participating in physical and recreational activities.
QUESTION
What is weight loss surgery? See AnswerWhat is the procedure for VSG surgery?
During a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), you will be put under general anesthesia. Small incisions are required for the insertion of a snake-like camera and surgical equipment.
After a section of the stomach is removed, the stomach is shaped into a vertical tube (sleeve). The remaining parts of the stomach are held together by staples. The surgery takes 60-90 minutes on average to complete.
What are the outcomes of VSG?
Because nearly 85% of your stomach is removed during the procedure, your new stomach can only hold about 2-5 ounces of food.
Following the procedure, your surgeon will recommend a particular diet to help your stomach heal. After a few weeks, you will start eating modest portions of healthy foods, and your doctor may advise you to take vitamin supplements to ensure you get the nutrients you need. It is critical to follow your doctor's guidance and suggestions before, during, and after a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).
Because this type of surgery cannot be reversed, it is important to talk with your doctor to make sure you are aware of and prepared for the potential risks.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Gastric Sleeve Surgery. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/gastric-sleeve-surgery
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