What is LSG or VSG?
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) sometimes referred to as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Also often refer to this procedure as gastric sleeve surgery.
During the procedure, the surgeon permanently removes between 80-85% of the patient’s stomach.
Furthermore, surgeons reduce the patient’s stomach to a small pouch that resembles the shape of a banana.
Moreover, surgeons normally remove a part of the stomach called the “fundus,”. This portion curves outward, during VSG surgery. Evidently, the fundus is responsible for secreting the hormone ghrelin which is what makes us feel hungry.
How does a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy work?
LSG or Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy helps individuals with higher body mass index to lose weight through:
- Firstly, the reduction of the size of their stomach. Patients can not eat as much food in one sitting. They feel “full” much faster after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The smaller stomach also empties more slowly so this “full” feeling lasts longer.
- Secondly, the removal of the fundus decreases the amount of ghrelin. The hormone that tells us we are hungry and prompts us to eat. However, the reduction of ghrelin reduces the appetite. It also makes it easier for the individual to lose weight.
Who is a Candidate for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
- The body mass index (BMI) is 40+.
- Unable to lose weight through non-surgical means such as diet and exercise.
- BMI is 35 or above and they suffer from an obesity-related illness like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
- The patient is in good overall health. Do not have any medical or mental conditions that would exclude them from undergoing surgery.
How do Surgeons Perform a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Surgeons perform LSG surgery under general anesthesia, and the procedure lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
- During laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon makes between 2 and 5 small incisions in the abdomen.
- 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.
- The surgeon pumps a special gas into the patient's abdomen to open up the space and perform the surgery.
- Surgeons place other small surgical instruments needed to perform the procedure through the other incisions.
- Lastly, removes the surgical tools from the incisions and sutures them closed.
What are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Losing weight through gastric sleeve surgery offers many benefits to individuals with higher weight such as:
- Rapid weight loss.
- Results in a reduction in BMI.
- Offers shorter surgery time than other bariatric surgery.
- Remission of some obesity-related illnesses such as type 2 diabetes.
- Can be an option for certain patients that have high-risk medical issues.
- Does not restrict the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
- Reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, some types of cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea.
When will I start seeing Results from LSG Surgery?
If you follow the correct diet and exercise plan 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*. Consequently, after the 6-month mark, weight loss tends to taper off. Subsequently, 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. Besides this, our patient is 5’8” tall and their ideal weight or goal weight would be about 145 pounds.
Sample Average Weight Loss Chart – After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy 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 |
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Diet Plan
This document contains general nutrition guidelines before and after gastric sleeve surgery.
How Long will the Results of LSG Surgery Last?
- As long as healthy lifestyle choices such as a low-calorie diet.
- If you maintain continued exercise, the LSG 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?
Like any type of surgery, it involves risks. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy risks include:
- Hernia.
- Infection.
- Acid Reflux.
- Blood Clots.
- Weight Regain.
- Internal Bleeding.
- Staple Line Leakage.
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia.
Patient Testimonials
How much does a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Cost?
The average cost of a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (LSG) procedure is $13,500. We offer it at a special rate for a limited time. Take advantage of our limited-time specials.
VSG surgery cost with insurance will vary by patient coverage, health status, and use of additional resources. The cost for VSG weight loss surgery not only includes the price of the procedure. But also, more importantly, the skill and expertise of the specialist or healthcare professional who is performing the surgery.
However, IBI Healthcare Institute offers different financing options for qualified customers. Furthermore, for self-pay rates, health status and resources can affect prices.