A Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive bariatric surgery that reduces the overall size of the stomach. In this procedure, the stomach is stapled and divided vertically, and much of it is removed.

This leaves the esophagus connected to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) through a small, cylinder-shaped stomach. With most (approximately 85 percent) of the stomach removed, large amounts of food simply cannot be consumed at one time.

In addition, the small, narrow stomach created by a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy increases the feeling of fullness. The resulting reduction in food intake results in weight loss. In most cases, the surgery is performed laparoscopically.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery is used primarily in patients with BMI scores above 60 or for those in whom banding surgeries are not indicated.

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