Who can benefit from VSG? Is it beneficial? If so, what are the top benefits? All your questions will be answered at the end of the article. So, we suggest you stay tuned until the end.
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What is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) Surgery?
VSG surgery is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach. It reduces appetite by eliminating the fundus, which produces the hormone glucagon, which contributes to the feeling of hunger.
Patients can expect to lose around 20 to 30 pounds after the surgery, although it may take longer than a year. The procedure is performed in an outpatient hospital, and recovery time is usually quick.
How is VSG Surgery operated?
This type of surgery typically involves four to five small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon will use small tools to remove the remaining portion of the stomach. After surgery, patients are required to stay overnight in the hospital.
The recovery process requires a lifestyle change for the patient, which begins immediately after surgery. In the weeks following the procedure, patients gradually resume their regular diet. The doctor may recommend a few weeks of liquid diets after surgery.
The procedure can be performed at the same time as a gastric bypass. In both cases, a surgeon will remove a portion of the stomach. This surgery reduces the level of the hormone ghrelin, which is referred to as the “hunger hormone”.
As a result, patients who undergo this procedure can expect to lose more weight than those who did not undergo the procedure. The surgical procedure will also reduce the amount of ghrelin in the blood. The reduction in ghrelin may also lead to a decrease in diabetes medications.
Who Can Undergo VSG?
A VSG surgery is usually done on a patient who has been overweight for many years. There is no age limit for who might opt for this procedure. However, it is recommended for people below the age of 65. Even teens can undergo this surgery so long as they are older than 14 years old.
How Long Does Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Take?
The surgery is done under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the patient is asleep. The procedure will take between 60 and 90 minutes. The vertical sleeve gastroplasty is not a quick weight loss procedure.
Instead, it requires a lifetime of lifestyle changes. Because the stomach is smaller than a banana, the patient will be able to eat more. The procedure can also lead to increased reflux and food intolerances.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Risks
The benefits of VSG surgery outweigh its risks. However, the long-term complications are equally concerning. Most people have to stay in the hospital for one to two nights, and most VSG patients have to follow a special liquid diet for weeks before they can resume their normal diet.
These liquid diets may lead to complications, such as kidney damage, constipation, and muscle loss, and will require additional surgery.
If you’re obese, vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery may be right for you. This procedure will reduce your appetite by reducing the amount of food you eat. The downside of this surgery is that you must commit to eating healthier foods and exercising regularly for a few years.
If you don’t follow the post-surgery guidelines, there’s a chance that the procedure will backfire, requiring another surgery to correct any problems.
This procedure requires a permanent change in your lifestyle. You will have to eat smaller portions of food for the rest of your life.
The surgery can lead to a higher risk of gallstones and can make it necessary for you to eat less frequently. Moreover, there is a risk of recurrent abdominal bleeds, which may lead to a second weight-loss surgery. But it occurs on rare occasion.
Are There Any Side Effect for VSG Surgery?
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are a few risks associated with vertical sleeve gastroplasty. In addition to complications, there are a few potential side effects of this procedure.
The first, most common, is nausea, which may persist for a few days. As a result, you should avoid consuming foods containing caffeine and carbonated drinks for at least a week after the surgery.
There are also risks of stenosis. Because of the shape of the stomach, it can be hard for you to absorb certain nutrients. This can lead to vitamin deficiencies.
Other complications of this surgery include heartburn. It can be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you have a BMI of more than 40, you may need a second procedure. These are rare complications of the vertical sleeve gastroplasty.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?
A significant portion of the stomach is removed during a weight loss procedure called a vertical sleeve gastroplasty (VSG). Patients are advised to rest and recover for a period of two to four weeks after surgery before getting back to their regular routines. During the first few days, they might also feel some pain and discomfort, but the surgeon’s prescribed medication can help them manage it. To ensure the best results, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet and exercise schedule after the procedure.
How Much Does Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Cost?
Regardless of which procedure you choose, gastric sleeve surgery costs can be high, especially if you are not covered by insurance.
Another factor that affects the cost of gastric sleeve surgery is where you live. Some rural areas have fewer medical practitioners than urban areas, so you might be able to save money by traveling to a different area for the procedure.
While you may think that traveling to a different city is expensive, you should know that you can save significant money by undergoing the surgery in your hometown. You can find surgeons in the same town who will charge around $5,000 more than those in other cities.
You should also make sure to ask the surgeon if your insurance will cover your surgery before you commit to one. In addition to avoiding travel time and stress, you can benefit from a strong support system.
You can also save money by choosing to pay for the procedure yourself. In 2015, Obesity Coverage published a study showing that the average cost of VSG surgery was $15,400.
This price was adjusted for inflation, and most major insurance companies cover the procedure. However, many policies do not cover weight loss surgery, so you should find out if you are eligible before scheduling the procedure.
Although gastric sleeve surgery is an excellent choice for patients with a history of serious medical conditions, the price may still be prohibitive for many.
The procedure can also be costly, but the benefits can far outweigh the cost. In addition to improving your health, gastric sleeve surgery can reduce your cost of healthcare by almost 30 percent. You will also experience less health-related discrimination and increased energy levels.
Resources:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007435.htm
