Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

If you’re looking for a solution to significant weight loss that lasts, the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (commonly called Gastric Sleeve Surgery) could be the life-changing step you need. By reducing the size of your stomach and enhancing control over your hunger, this weight-loss procedure helps you achieve lasting results. Learn how Dr. Taggar, a world-renowned specialist in bariatric surgery, is using cutting-edge technology to help patients safely and effectively regain control over their health.

What Is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) is a form of weight-loss surgery designed to reduce the capacity of your stomach by around 75-80%, effectively reshaping it into a thin, tube-like structure. By removing a significant portion of the stomach, VSG limits how much food you can comfortably eat, while also significantly reducing the production of ghrelin—the hormone responsible for triggering hunger.

In simpler terms, here's what happens

Imagine your stomach as a large balloon. The surgeon cuts away a big part of that balloon, leaving behind a smaller tube-shaped section, about the size of a banana.

This smaller stomach can hold much less food, which means you end up eating less.

The surgery also affects the production of hunger hormones, so you feel less hungry overall.

The result is that you can eat smaller portions and stay full longer, making it easier to lose weight.

This procedure is particularly effective for people struggling with obesity who haven’t had success with other weight-loss methods. Studies from the and indicate that the reduced stomach size and decreased ghrelin production create a powerful combination for long-term weight management. With the help of a weight loss surgery specialist like Dr. Taggar, patients experience a minimally invasive procedure with faster recovery times, minimal pain, and exceptional long-term results.

How Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Helps You Lose Weight

Significant and Sustained Weight Loss: Patients can expect to lose about 60-70% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery, given adherence to the recommended diet and activity guidelines. Research from clinical studies shows that patients undergoing VSG have maintained weight loss effectively over time, provided they commit to lifestyle changes.
Appetite Control: Because VSG decreases the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, you’ll notice a marked reduction in appetite, which makes it easier to manage your caloric intake. This hormonal effect plays a crucial role, as supported by findings from the , which highlights the benefit of hunger reduction in patients’ overall satisfaction and compliance.
Minimally Invasive with Fast Recovery: Dr. Amit utilizes advanced robotic sleeve gastrectomy techniques to ensure precision, reduce post-surgery pain, and speed up recovery. Robotic assistance allows for smaller incisions, which results in a shorter hospital stay and faster return to daily activities.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The gastric sleeve surgery is performed minimally invasive, allowing for precise movements that significantly reduce risks.
During the procedure, approximately 75-80% of your stomach is removed, and the remainder is shaped into a narrow sleeve.
This reshaping reduces your stomach’s capacity to hold food, allowing for better portion control.
The entire surgery is minimally invasive, using small incisions that heal faster and leave fewer scars.

The emphasizes that VSG is an irreversible procedure, meaning that the commitment to long-term lifestyle changes is essential for achieving and maintaining results.

Nutritional Guidelines Post-Surgery

Proper nutrition is crucial after Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy to ensure long-term success and avoid complications:

Stage 1 – Liquid Diet: During the first week, patients should stick to clear liquids such as water, broth, and sugar-free gelatin.
Stage 2 – Pureed Foods: After the initial liquid phase, patients transition to pureed foods for around two weeks to allow the stomach to continue healing.
Stage 3 – Soft Foods: At about 4 weeks post-surgery, patients can begin incorporating soft foods like scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and well-cooked vegetables.
Stage 4 – Solid Foods: Approximately 8 weeks after surgery, patients can begin reintroducing solid foods, focusing on high-protein, low-carb options.
Lifelong Guidelines: Long-term, patients should prioritize lean protein, avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods, and take prescribed vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies.

Psychological and Emotional Support for Patients

The journey to better health doesn’t end in the operating room. The and other studies highlight the importance of psychological support throughout the process:

Pre-Surgery Counseling: Mental preparation is key to achieving success. Counseling can help patients manage expectations and prepare for the changes ahead.
Post-Surgery Support: Joining a support group or continuing with counseling helps many patients maintain weight loss and mental well-being. Emotional health plays a significant role in adjusting to the lifestyle changes required after surgery.

Long-Term Lifestyle Changes and Success Stories

Successful weight loss and maintenance after Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy require permanent lifestyle changes:

Exercise: Regular physical activity is essential. Starting with gentle exercises like walking and gradually building up to more intense routines helps maintain weight loss and improves overall health.
Patient Success Stories: Sharing real-life experiences can be inspiring. One of Dr. Taggar patients, for example, was able to lose over 100 pounds in the first year while also reversing their type 2 diabetes. These stories provide motivation and insight into what life post-surgery can look like.

How to Prepare for Surgery

Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery involves physical, mental, and logistical aspects:

Physical Preparation: Stopping smoking, starting light physical activity, and adjusting eating habits pre-surgery all help ensure the body is ready.
Medical Preparation: Patients will need to undergo a series of tests, including blood work and a psychological evaluation, to confirm they’re good candidates for surgery.
Mental Preparation: Adjusting to the new lifestyle requires significant changes, and preparing mentally is crucial. Understanding the dietary changes and the long-term commitment involved will help set realistic expectations.

Frequenty Asked Questions about Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

How Painful is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The surgery itself is minimally invasive, and most patients experience manageable levels of pain due to effective post-operative pain management protocols. The ASMBS notes that most discomfort can be controlled with standard pain medications.

How Much Weight Will I Lose?

Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight in the first year, depending on adherence to post-operative guidelines. Long-term success is closely linked to lifestyle changes, as shown in various clinical trials.

What is the Main Complication of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The most common complication is GERD, which can usually be managed with appropriate care, including dietary adjustments and medications.

How Much of the Stomach is Left After Surgery?

After surgery, about 20-25% of the original stomach remains, with a capacity of roughly 3-5 ounces of food. This smaller size helps control food intake and aids in weight loss.

Why Choose Dr. Amit Taggar

When it comes to weight loss surgery, you deserve to be in the best hands possible. Dr. Taggar is a global leader in bariatric surgery, recognized by peers and presidents of professional bodies like ASMBS and IFSO. He has trained surgeons from around the world, including Egypt, India, Spain, and Austria, and is the number one case observation site worldwide for robotic bariatric surgeries from 2021-2025.

Dr. Taggar has also performed live robotic surgeries at several prestigious events, including the Society of Robotic Surgery (2024), Connect (2023 & 2022), and ASMBS (2022). His commitment to innovative, patient-centric care makes him the perfect partner on your journey to weight loss and better health.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Amit and discover how Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy can help you achieve your health goals.