Vertical Gastroplasty/Gastrectomy (VG)
Another restrictive surgical weight loss procedure, the Vertical Gastrectomy procedure (also called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by approximately 15 surgeons worldwide. It was originally conceived of by Dr. Johnston in England as an open procedure, and has been further refined laparoscopically. It is now utilized in the United States, Germany and Belgium. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. This surgery creates a small, thin, tube-like stomach approximately 2 ounces in size, usually smaller than the stomach pouch that Duodenal Switch patients have (see Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch).
The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over older gastroplasty ("stomach stapling") procedures for a number of reasons:
The Vertical Gastrectomy is routinely performed laparoscopically, even in patients weighing as much as 660 pounds. The procedure generally takes about 60-90 minutes to perform and the hospital stay is 1-2 days. Patients must consume liquids only for 2 weeks after surgery, but by 4-6 weeks after the operation, patients should be able to eat regular healthy foods with little difficulty.
