Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive weight loss procedure involving creation of a long narrow vertical pouch from the stomach measuring 3-4 oz and is associated with removal of part of the stomach. It restricts amount of food  you can eat at any given meal. It is a modification of old bariatric procedure and is a part of duodenal switch procedure. There is a growing body of evidence that Sleeve Gastrectomy at least within 3-5 years of follow-up provides weight loss that exceeds that of Lap Band and is close to one of Gastric Bypass procedure. Currently, it is still considered an investigational procedure and further opinions can be found in ASMBS Position Statement, 2007.

Advantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy:

• Reduced stomach capacity with normal function allowing to eat most foods.
• No dumping syndrome
• No risk of bowel obstruction as with gastric bypass
• No risk of marginal ulcer as with gastric bypass
• Reduced risk of nutritional deficiences and anemia
• Good optiona for patients with contraindication for gastric bypass and Lap Band
• Can be done laparoscopically

Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy:

• Irreversible
• Potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain in patient resorting to soft/liquid high calorie eating, grasers.
• People with high BMI might need second stage procedure - conversion to gastric bypass to enhance weight loss.
• Long staple line with potential for leaks in 1-2% of patients.
• Possibility of stricture/kinking of long narrow stomach tube.
• Long-term results (>  5 years) are not available.