The vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive form of weight loss surgery in which approximately 85% of the stomach is removed leaving a cylindrical or sleeve shaped stomach with a capacity ranging from about 60 to 150cc, depending upon the surgeon preforming the procedure.  Unlike many other forms of bariatric surgery, the outlet value and the nerves to the stomach remain intact and, while th estomach is drastically reduced in size, its function is preserved.  Again, unlike other forms of surgery, the sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of the gastric sleeve lies in the fact that it does not involve any bypass of the intestinal tract and patients do not therefore suffer the complications of intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, anemia, osteoprosis, vitamin deficiency and protein deficency.  It also makes it a suitable form of surgery for patients who are already suffering from anemia, Crohn's disease and a variety of other conditions that would place then at high risk for surgery involving intestinal bypass.

As a general rule the vertical sleeve gastrectomy is best suited to individuals who are either extremely overweight or whose medical condition would rule out other forms of surgery. 

Advantages of the Gastric Sleeve:

• Although the stomach is reduced in size and the amount of food which can be eater is restricted, the stomach otherwise functions normally.
• The major part of the stomach which produces hormones responsible for stimulating hunger is removed from the digestive system.
• The problem of dumping is avoided as the pylorus is retained
• MInimizes the possibility of the patient developing ulcers
• Avoids the problems associated with bypass forms of weight loss surgery including anemia, intestinal obstruction or blockage, osteoporosis and protein and vitamin deficiency.
• Povides a solution for patients with conditions which place them at an unacceptably high risk from other forms of bariatric surgery.
• Provides a laparoscopic solution to patients with a particularly high body mass index (BMI) 

Disadvantages of the Gastric Sleeve:

• As this form of surgery does not provide any element of gastric bypass some patients may experience a disappointing weight loss or weight regain.
  • High BMI patients will often require follow-up weight loss surgery to achieve their goal.  Athough this may be seen as a disadvantage by some patients, in many cases, this two procedure option not only produces the results that the patient wants but may also provide a lower overall risk for the patient.  This is something which needs to be discussed with your physician.
• Patients can slow weight loss if they do not stick to a strick diet following this form of surgery.
• Complications may occur as the result of stomach stapling
• The procedure is not reversible as part of the stomach is permanetly removed.  It should be remembered though that the gastric sleeve can be extended at a later date if required by performing additional bypass surgery.