The vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a restrictive weight loss surgery. It causes weight loss by restricting the amount of food that is able to be consumed before feeling full. The majority of the stomach is removed during this procedure which is typically done laparoscopically. This procedure is still considered investigational and is not covered by most insurance companies.

The surgery is typically performed on patients who are too heavy to have other types of weight loss surgeries with the expectation that a second surgery will be performed once weight loss has plateaued. Total weight loss is less than most types of surgery and the procedure is not reversible. The risk of malnutrition is low with this surgery.

Advantages:

• The average excess weight loss is 40 to 60% at 4 years after surgery.
• Less risk than the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
• Performed laparosocpically.
• Low risk of malnutrition.
• Bridge procedure for patients too high risk for more complicated procedure.

Disadvantages:

• Not reversible.
• No long term outcomes available.
• Reflux and food intolerances.
• Risk of long term weight regain.