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Vertical Gastric Sleeve Benefits and Risks
Advantages of
the Vertical
Gastrectomy Weight
Loss Surgery
- The stomach
is reduced in
volume but
tends to
function
normally so
most food items
can be
consumed,
albeit in small
amounts.
- Eliminates
the portion of
the stomach
that produces
the hormones
that stimulates
hunger (Ghrelin).
- No dumping
syndrome
because the
pylorus is
preserved.
- Minimizes
the chance of
an ulcer
occurring.
- By avoiding the intestinal bypass, the chance of intestinal obstruction
(blockage), anaemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency
are almost eliminated.
- Very
effective as a
first stage
procedure for
high BMI
patients
(BMI>55 kg/m2).
- Limited
results appear
promising as a
single stage
procedure for
low BMI
patients (BMI
35-45 kg/m2).
- Appealing
option for
people with
existing
anaemia, Crohn's
disease and
numerous other
conditions that
make them too
high risk for
intestinal
bypass
procedures.
- Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 225 kg.
Disadvantages
of the Vertical
Gastrectomy Weight
Loss Surgery
- Potential
for inadequate
weight loss or
weight regain.
While this is
true for all
procedures, it
is
theoretically
more possible
with procedures
that do not
have an
intestinal
bypass.
- Higher BMI
patients will
most likely
need to have a
second stage
procedure later
to help lose
the rest of the
weight. Two
stages may
ultimately be
safer and more
effective than
one operation
for high BMI
patients. This
is an active
point of
discussion for
bariatric
surgeons.
- Soft
calories such
as ice cream,
milk shakes,
etc can be
absorbed and
may slow weight
loss.
- This
procedure does
involve stomach
stapling and
therefore leaks
and other
complications
related to
stapling may
occur.
- Because the
stomach is
removed, it is
not reversible.
It can be
converted to
almost any
other weight
loss procedure.
- Considered
investigational
by some
surgeons and
insurance
companies.
Vertical
Gastrectomy: Risks
and Complications
As with any
surgery, there can
be complications.
This list can
include:
- Deep vein
thrombophlebitis
0.5%
- Pulmonary embolus 0.5%
- Pneumonia
0.2%
- Acute
respiratory
distress
syndrome 0.25%
- Splenectomy
0.5%
- Gastric
leak and
fistula 1.0%
-
Postoperative
bleeding 0.5%
- Death 0.25%
Post-Op
Dietary Plan for
Vertical Gastrectomy
Weight-Loss Surgery
Patients
As with all surgical weight-loss programmes, it is imperative that
VG patients adhere to a strict postoperative diet. Patients must stick
to a liquid-based diet for 2 weeks after surgery; 4-6 weeks after the
operation, patients graduate to a 600-800 calorie/ day solid diet. Once
goal weight is achieved, usually 1-2 years after surgery, most patients
can consume about 1000-1200 calories per day.
Long-Term
Weight-Loss Results
On average,
patients who undergo
Vertical Gastrectomy
surgery experience
60-80% loss of
excess weight.
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