Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Fletcher Allen Bariatric Surgery offers laporoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VGS), as a weight loss surgery option for patients looking to dramatically reduce their weight. You’ve probably made several attempts to take control of your weight through diet and exercise.  But for many, that is not enough.

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, has been shown to provide the longest period of sustained weight loss in patients who have tried other approaches without success. One of the bariatric surgery options offered by Fletcher Allen is called a laporoscopic glastic sleeve surgery.

Why choose Fletcher Allen Bariatric Surgery?

Fletcher Allen Bariatric Surgeons and the Bariatric Surgery progam have been accredited as a Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS BSCN Accreditation Program accredits facilities in the United States that have undergone an independent, voluntary, and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards. In addition the accreditation symbolizes institutional commitment and accountability for safe, high-quality surgical care, as evidenced by the documentation of performance indictors and the measurement of outcomes. Find a bariatric surgeon here in Vermont.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgey is also referred to as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VGS). During surgery, eighty-four percent (84%) of the stomach is removed laparoscopically. The “new” stomach can hold between 3 to 5 ounces.  The reduction in stomach size during the gastric sleeve operation reduces food intake but does not lead to decrease absorption of food. This bariatric surgery procedure removes the portion of the stomach which produces a hormone that stimulates hunger (ghrelin). The gastric sleeve is not reversible but can be converted to a Roux-N-Y-gastric bypass at a later time if needed. 

Results: you can expect to lose 50-60% of excess body weight within three years. 

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgeons at Fletcher Allen may offer candidates two options, open bariatric surgery and laproscopic bariatric surgery. Gastric sleeve bariatric surgery is performed laproscopically. Laporoscopic bariatric surgery is a less invasive approach where instruments, inserted through small incisions in the abdomen, are guided by the surgeon using camera at the end of the instrument to perform the surgery from a television monitor. Some patients, including those who have had previous abdominal surgery, are extremely obese or have medical problems may require the open bariatric surgery approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What are some of Gastric Sleeve surgery results?

Restricts Eating: During laporoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, a portion of the stomach is removed which produces a hormone that stimulates hunger (ghrelin). This reduces food intake but does not slow the absoprtion of food.

Decreases Calorie Intake: As long as you eat regular high quality food, this system will decrease the calories eaten at a meal. If you drink high caloric beverages like milkshakes or regular soda then you can eat enough calories to prevent weight loss. If you eat calorie dense food like chips and candy then you will prevent weight loss and can even continue to gain weight.

How much weight will I lose after Gastric Sleeve surgery?

With good follow-up, patients can expect to lose 50-60% of their excess body weight within three years with an average weekly weight loss of 1-2 pounds.  For example, if you weighed 210 pounds above your ideal body weight, you could lose 105 pounds.

What are the health benefits of Gastric Sleeve surgery?

Most invidiuals experience additional health benefits from gastric sleeve surgery. In 95% of patients the quality of life improved and obesity-related health conditions (called "comorbidities") were resolved or improved. In addition mobility and energy are usually greatly improved.

Bariatric surgery has also been shown to resolve or improve obesity-related health conditions (comorbidities), including:

• Type 2 Diabetes – 82%-98% resolved
• Hypertension – 62%-70% resolved
• Migraines – 57% resolved
• Obstructive sleep apnea – 74%-98% resolved
• Asthma - 69% improved

Read more about the resolution of comorbidities after bariatric surgery.

How long is the hospital stay for bariatric surgery?

After Gastric Sleeve surgery, you can expect to stay at Fletcher Allen Health Care for a minimum of three days.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Gastric Sleeve surgery?

 Advantages

• The stomach and intestines remains intact
• Early return to work without weight lift restrictions
• Decreased risk of malabsorption of vitamins and minerals

 Disadvantages

• No “dumping syndrome” to reinforce healthier food choices
• Risk of staple line disruption and leak into abdomen

What are the risks after Gastric Sleeve surgery?

Your surgeon and the Bariatric Surgery team can help you understand the advantages and risks associated with Gastric Sleeve surgery.  It is important to remember that weight loss surgery will only work as well as the amount you invest in adopting a healthy and active lifestyle. 

Contact Fletcher Allen Bariatrics about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The Bariatric Surgery Team at Fletcher Allen will help you determine whether you are a candidate for surgery. Find out if you are a candidate for Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery or request more information about the program. You will receive a Bariatric Surgery Health Questionnaire, Informational Brochure and Patient Booklet. Once we receive the questionnaire from you, our staff will review it and will invite you to attend an introductory session held at our clinic.