What Is It?

Gastric sleeve surgery, or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), involves the surgical removal of about 75–80% of the stomach, leaving behind a tubular-shaped “sleeve.” This smaller stomach restricts the amount of food a person can eat and also reduces hunger by removing the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin (a hunger hormone).

Mechanism of Action

• Restrictive: Limits the quantity of food intake.

• Hormonal Changes: Decreases hunger and improves satiety.

• Metabolic Effects: Improves insulin sensitivity and may lead to remission of type 2 diabetes.

Benefits

• Effective for long-term weight loss (average 50–70% excess weight loss).

• Less complex than gastric bypass — no intestinal rerouting.

• Shorter surgery time and hospital stay.

• Lower risk of vitamin/mineral deficiencies compared to bypass.

Risks/Complications

• Irreversible (unlike adjustable gastric banding).

• Risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Leakage or bleeding from the staple line.

• Nutritional deficiencies (though less than bypass).

Ideal Candidates

• BMI ≥ 40, or BMI ≥ 35 with obesity-related health issues.

• Patients not suitable for more complex surgeries like bypass.

• Adolescents or patients at higher risk of surgical complications.