Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) Also Known As Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy
If you are looking into weight loss surgery you more than likely know all about lap band surgery and gastric bypass surgery, but you may not be as familiar with Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), or Vertical Sleeve Surgery for short. Vertical Sleeve Surgery is not nearly as common as other weight loss procedures and to date many consider it to be a work in progress as only about 20 doctors perform the procedure worldwide. Some doctors have performed this surgery instead of laparoscopic banding. There is one huge difference with VSG and that is that the process is solely through gastric restriction because it removes 85% of the stomach pouch. What this does is that by restricting how much food is eaten a person eats less. As a result of eating less the caloric intake rapidly drops which causes weight loss.
One aspect of VSG is that it is not as expensive as some types of weight loss surgery because there is no intestinal bypass performed. In VSG the stomach volume is decreased while the route the intestines take is left completely intact. This not only reduces the cost but by leaving the intestines in place actually causes the procedure to be considered “investigational”. As a result of this classification most insurance companies will not pay for this procedure. As you search for information be aware of the risk that you will encounter in the insurance world after weight loss surgery is performed. Sometimes the surgery itself could cause you denial of insurance in the future, when the weight loss surgery has actually made you healthier.
The end result of weight loss surgery more than likely will lead you to being a healthier and thinner individual. Before you have ANY weight loss surgery you need to make sure your head is in the right place. Your issues with eating do not go away and there are many people who gain significant weight back after losing even 100 pounds. Make sure you are knowledgeable in the minor facts about needing vitamin shots for the rest of your life. Did you know bread becomes a forbidden food? Were you aware soda will not be allowed and the use of straws is dangerous to your well being? Bariatric surgery is not a bad thing but emotional issues are not solved by the surgery. Before you take the big step get as many books on the subject as possible and educate yourself on what it is all about. Knowledge is power and that power will begin through your personal education.