Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG or VSG)

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What Is VSG or LSG Surgery?

Online Bariatric Seminar - Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy VSG)

Dr. Andre Nunn discussing the gastric sleeve procedure (also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy VSG). It is both a restrictive and ma...

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) sometimes referred to as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery. This procedure is also often called gastric sleeve surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon permanently removes between 80-85% of the patient’s stomach. The patient’s stomach is reduced to a small pouch that resembles the shape of a banana. Part of the stomach that is normally removed during VSG surgery is called the “fundus” and is the portion that curves outward. The fundus is responsible for secreting the hormone ghrelin which is what makes us feel hungry.

How Does A Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Work?

LSG or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy helps obese individuals lose weight through:
  • The reduction of the size of their stomach – patients can not eat as much food in one sitting and they feel “full” much faster after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The smaller stomach also empties more slowly so this “full” feeling lasts longer.
  • The removal of the fundus decreases the amount of ghrelin – the hormone that tells us we are hungry and prompts us to eat. The reduction of ghrelin reduces the appetite and makes it easier for the individual to lose weight.
Image: Before And After Sleeve Gastric Resection Weight Loss Surgery

Who Is A Candidate For Gastric Sleeve Surgery (VSG)?

The qualifications for bariatric surgery including VSG include:
The patient’s body mass index (BMI) is 40+
The patient’s body mass index (BMI) is 35 or above and they suffer from an obesity-related illness like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
The patient has been unable to lose weight through non-surgical means such as diet and exercise.
The patient is in good overall health and they do not have any medical or mental conditions that would exclude them from undergoing surgery.

How Is A Sleeve Gastrectomy Performed?

LSG surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
  • 1. During laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon makes between 2 and 5 small incisions in the abdomen.
  • 2. A laparoscope, a surgical instrument that is outfitted with a tiny camera, is inserted through one of the incisions. This will help guide the surgeon during the procedure by providing “real-time” video on a nearby monitor.
  • 3. A special gas is pumped into the patient’s abdomen to open up the space and allow the surgeon access to perform the surgery.
  • 4. Other small surgical instruments needed to perform the procedure are placed through the other incisions.
  • 5. The surgeon excises and removes a large portion of the stomach pouch and fastens the remaining edges together with surgical staples. There are no alterations done to restrict food from entering or exiting the stomach.
  • 6. The surgical tools are removed from the incisions and they are sutured closed.

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What Are The Benefits Of Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Losing weight through gastric sleeve surgery offers many benefits to obese patients such as:
  • Rapid weight loss;
  • Offers shorter surgery time than other bariatric surgery;
  • Results in a reduction in BMI;
  • Remission of some obesity-related illnesses such as type 2 diabetes;
  • Reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, some types of cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnea;
  • Does not restrict the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine;
  • Can be an option for certain patients that have high-risk medical issues.
Illustration: Healthy benefits of bariatric surgery

When Will I Start Seeing Results From LSG Surgery?

If the correct diet and exercise plan is followed after the LSG procedure, you can expect to lose a significant amount of weight in the first three months. This may be as much as 30% of your excess weight After 6 months, you can expect to have lost between 45-50% of your excess weight*. After the 6-month mark, weight loss tends to taper off and after a year, the average weight loss from a laparoscopic gastric sleeve is 60% to 70% of excess weight (EWL).

*Excess weight is the difference between current weight and ideal weight.

Our patient is 5’8” tall and their ideal weight or goal weight would be about 145 pounds.

Sample Average Weight Loss Chart – After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Starting Weight, lbs Weight In 3 Months, lbs (EWL 30%) Weight In 6 Months, lbs (EWL 45%) Weight In 12 Months, lbs (EWL 65%)
250 219 203 182
300 254 230 199
350 289 258 217
400 323 285 234

Sleeve Gastrectomy Diet Plan

This document contains general nutrition guidelines before and after gastric sleeve surgery.
Download pdf

How Long Will The Results Of Gastric Sleeve Surgery Last?

Patient Testimonial - Gastric Sleeve - IBI Healthcare Institute

Pat Wheeler shares his weight loss journey having gastric sleeve surgery.The natural and safest method to treat obesity is to diet and exercise. Dieting help...

As long as healthy lifestyle choices such as a low-calorie diet and continued exercise are maintained, this procedure should last a lifetime. However, as with any other weight loss procedure, behavior modification and dietary compliance are the key players in determining long-term success in weight maintenance.

What Are The Risks Of VSG Surgery?

As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy risks include:
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia;
  • Infection;
  • Hernia;
  • Acid reflux;
  • Internal bleeding;
  • Blood clots;
  • Staple line leakage;
  • Weight regain.

How Much Does A Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Cost?

This average self pay, all inclusive price at IBI Healthcare Institute when it is on special is $11,999. VSG surgery cost with insurance will vary by patient coverage, health status, and use of additional resources, etc. The cost for VSG weight loss surgery not only includes the price of the procedure, but more importantly, the skill and expertise of the specialist or healthcare professional that is doing the surgery. Ensure you choose a board-certified surgeon who is trained and has expertise in performing LSG. IBI Healthcare Institute offers different financing options for qualified customers. Enroll in the IBI Healthcare Institute Rewards Program to save money on treatments.

Patient Testimonials

Patient Testimonial - Life After Gastric Sleeve Surgery - IBI Healthcare Institute

Our patient's success is our own success! Listen in to hear how this patient LOST 60 POUNDS in just 6 months! Send some love in the comments to CONGRATULATE this patient on his success.

Patient Testimonial - Gastric Sleeve - IBI Healthcare Institute

Our patient Brooke is talking about her experience with the gastric sleeve procedure. Learn more about the gastric sleeve procedure: https://www.ibihealthcar...

Gastric Sleeve Patient Testimonial - IBI Healthcare Institute

Learn more about the gastric sleeve procedure: https://www.ibihealthcare.com/advanced-weight-loss-center-2/laparoscopic-sleeve-gastrectomy/Other weight loss ...

Take the first step on your journey to a healthy life

IBI Healthcare Institute provides an unmatched patient experience and outstanding results. You matter to us.