VERTICAL SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY (VSG)
The Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy was first described in 2003. In 2004, Dr. Chiasson was the first weight loss surgeon in the Southwest to begin performing this procedure in his practice. Given his early extensive experience with this operation, he served as an Educational Consultant for Ethicon Endo-surgery teaching surgeons from around the country to perform Sleeve Gastrectomy in the late 2000s. Since then, it has become the most commonly performed weight loss operation in the United States.
What is the Sleeve Gastrectomy?
The Sleeve Gastrectomy is a Minimally Invasive surgical procedure. This operation is performed using a laparoscopic technique. Five small incisions are made that allow for the placement of a camera and instruments. Roughly 85% of the stomach is permanently removed with this operation.
How does the Sleeve Gastrectomy work?
The Sleeve Gastrectomy works by limiting the amount of food that one can eat. In addition, the ghrelin hormone, which is produced in the outer part of the stomach, is reduced. This hormone is associated with feeling hunger. Thus, not only can the patient not eat as much, they also generally lose their appetite.
What should you expect after a Sleeve Gastrectomy?
The Sleeve Gastrectomy is generally performed as an in-patient procedure for those using their insurance. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. It takes about one hour. I use the latest pain control techniques to avoid pain following surgery. In general, roughly 95% of patients are discharged the morning following their surgery with often very little discomfort. The majority of patients return to normal activities and work within a few weeks.
The Sleeve Gastrectomy is also available as an outpatient procedure for selected patients who are not using insurance.
Advantages of the Sleeve Gastrectomy?
The Sleeve Gastrectomy is the safest surgical weight loss operation. It also has a significant impact upon the associated medical conditions associated with obesity and metabolic disease such as high blood pressure, Fatty Liver, and Type II Diabetes. Finally, it has the least nutritional risk of all the surgical weight loss operations.
How much weight loss is associated with the Sleeve Gastrectomy?
The Sleeve Gastrectomy has been extensively evaluated. On average, patients who have this procedure will lose about 25-30% of their total body weight.
READY TO GET STARTED WITH DR. CHIASSON?
In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese. You are not alone and you do not need to feel any less of a person if you are overweight or obese. Take action now and increase your quality of life with Dr. Patrick Chiasson, the leading Tucson Bariatric Surgeon.