Just what is VSG?

[Tammy]

I've read about sleeve gastrectomy as a non-invasive and safe procedure. And I've read that it is safer than any other weight loss surgery procedures available now... but how does gastric sleeve surgery go, really??? I mean what does a surgeon do to you?

[Racquel]

You are right, sleeve gastrectomy is much less complicated and safer than other weight loss surgeries because there are no foreign bodies introduced into your system, provide less chances for malabsoprtion, and does not involve complicated procedures. Also, VSG is irreversible.

[PinkofHealth]

Well, if you want to be technical about it, VSG actually reduces the size of your stomach. The procedure involves having as much as 80% of your stomach removed. What remains is a "sleeve" hence the name gastric sleeve.

The removal of parts of your stomach would also mean that you won't feel hunger and craving for food. And this is because the surgery also removes the part of your stomach that produces gherlin. Gherlin is the hormone that tells your body that it is hungry.

Without gherlin, your body will not crave food that much.

[SilverArowana]

What I like about sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve surgery is that it doesn't lead to malabsoprtion, which could be detrimental to your body. You are not forced to take vitamins and supplements to make up for your body's decreased efficiency in absorbing vitamins and protein.

[Grover]

All the responses are right about it being safer, no malabsorption etc, but I don't think you can describe five holes in your torso and 80% of your stomach cut off and removed as "non-invasive". The result however appears to be more manageable with less side effects or impositions than any other weight loss surgery.