Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Specialist

What is the vertical sleeve gastrectomy?

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy also referred to as the sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight-loss surgery that involves the removal of 85% of your stomach. The experienced bariatric surgeons at Barrington Surgeons, LTD, perform the procedure laparoscopically, which means fewer incisions, less scarring, and shorter recovery time. The weight-loss procedure helps you drop unwanted pounds by decreasing the size of your stomach, so you eat less.

Due to the success of its weight loss promotion, vertical sleeve gastrectomy is the most popular weight-loss procedure in the United States.

Am I a good candidate for the vertical sleeve gastrectomy?

Your bariatric surgeon at Barrington Surgeons, LTD, determines if you’re a good candidate for the vertical sleeve gastrectomy during a weight-loss surgery consultation. To be considered a candidate for the procedure you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or greater along with a serious health condition, such as diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea.

Unlike other forms of weight-loss surgery, being too heavy for surgery may not disqualify you from getting the procedure.

In addition to the weight specifications, your bariatric physician also takes into consideration your weight-loss attempts and your willingness to make the necessary lifestyle changes that come with the vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

What happens during a vertical sleeve gastrectomy?

Your vertical sleeve gastrectomy is performed under general anesthesia, so you’re asleep during the procedure. Once you’re sedated, your surgeon makes a few small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a surgical camera (laparoscope) and the surgical instruments through the incisions. Your abdominal cavity is filled with gas to improve visibility.

Then your surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach and sutures what’s left to create a banana-like pouch. The surgical instruments are removed and your incisions are sutured closed.

The entire procedure takes 60-90 minutes.   

How long does it take to lose the weight?

Weight-loss results vary from person to person, but you can lose as much as 60% of your body weight within the first year of your surgery. In addition to making your stomach too small to hold a large amount of food, the vertical sleeve gastrectomy also alters the production of your hunger hormones so you don’t feel hungry.

To learn more about the vertical gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss, contact Barrington Surgeons, LTD by phone or online.