Three Reasons To Consider Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

When you are considering bariatric surgery, there are several options that can help you reach your weight and health goals. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is one of the more popular options, and there are several reasons it is frequently recommended by surgeons.

Less Invasive

When compared to a gastric bypass or duodenal switch, VSG is far less invasive and more straightforward approach. Since VSG only decreases the capacity of your stomach, the surgery is less time-consuming than other approaches and is more likely to be performed laparoscopically. Although the surgery can sound more appealing because it is less invasive, you should take the advice of your surgeon. Some people, especially those with 300 or more pounds to lose, may need a surgical approach that minimizes the size of the stomach in addition to reducing absorption of calories. Additionally, if you are quite heavy, it may not make a difference what surgical option you choose because you may be limited to an open surgery.

Easier Recovery

Although everyone is different in their recovery, the recovery from VSG might be easier since there are fewer factors that can make adapting to a new lifestyle harder. Since there is no manipulation of your intestines, you should have little or no problems with "dumping syndrome." Dumping syndrome can be a common problem when you have a procedure that causes malabsorption. The new connection between your stomach and intestines may be sensitive to sugar or refined carbohydrates and cause any number of uncomfortable effects, including nausea or vomiting. Although it is not impossible to have this occur with VSG, it tends to happen less often. The malabsorption component of gastric bypass and duodenal switch can lead to loose stools or frequent, malodorous gas. Over time, patients figure out what causes these issues and can frequently prevent problems by avoiding certain foods.

Options for Revision

No one wants to think about not losing enough weight or even gaining weight back, but it is a real concern that should be addressed. Since VSG only affects the stomach, there is the option to have the procedure revised if your weight loss journey does not go as planned. Some people who were unsuccessful with VSG eventually have a gastric bypass or duodenal switch. This does not mean you should choose VSG just to have it revised later, it simply means there are other options if VSG was your first surgery. Sometimes, people who are extremely overweight might have VSG as an intermediate step to having a duodenal switch. VSG might allow them to lose several hundred pounds before a more extensive surgery to have a duodenal switch can be done with a lower risk of complications.

VSG is often the first choice for people who want bariatric surgery. Since VSG is less complex, it is often easier to adapt to a new lifestyle than with more invasive procedures.

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