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Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Sometimes diet and exercise just aren’t enough, no matter how hard you try to lose weight. If obesity affects your health and quality of life, it may be time to consider weight loss surgery. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we offer a range of bariatric procedures, such as gastric sleeve (also called sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy), that can help you feel more like yourself again.

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Sleeve gastrectomy: Why choose us?

Our nationally recognized weight loss surgery program offers:

  • Surgical expertise: A number of our surgeons have fellowship training in weight loss surgery. This additional experience means they specialize in bariatric procedures such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). You can be sure you’re getting care from a skilled team. 

  • Minimally invasive approach: Our surgeons specialize in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedures. These minimally invasive approaches help you recover faster and with less pain. Some people can even go home the same day as their procedure.

  • National recognition: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredits our bariatric hospitals. This recognition means we adhere to the highest quality and safety standards when providing your treatment.

  • Support at every step: We want you to feel prepared and informed at every stage of your weight loss journey. Our experts are by your side from preoperative education and counseling to support groups and dietary guidance.

  • Gastric sleeve surgery (also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy or VSG surgery) is the most common bariatric surgery. Your surgeon permanently removes about 80% of your stomach during the procedure. They shape your remaining stomach into a much smaller, sleeve-shaped pouch (about the size and shape of a banana).

  • Your new stomach holds less food and liquid, so you eat and drink less and consume fewer calories. You also have a decreased appetite. Your new stomach doesn’t produce as much of the hormone that affects your metabolism and makes you feel hungry.

  • If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, here are a few things you should know about the procedure: 

    • Anesthesia: General anesthesia (you will be asleep)
    • Minimally invasive: Yes
    • Procedure time: 1 to 2 hours
    • Hospitalization: 1 to 2 days on average
    • Recovery: 2 to 3 weeks on average
    • Total weight loss (TWL): About 25% TWL (as a percentage of starting weight)

  • VSG surgery is a fairly quick, safe and simple procedure. It doesn’t require any rerouting of your intestines as other weight loss surgeries do. For this reason, it tends to carry fewer side effects and complications than other procedures.

  • People who have gastric sleeve surgery may not lose as much body weight as people who have more complex procedures, such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch/SADI. VSG surgery can also worsen acid reflux and heartburn, so it might not be the right treatment if you already have these conditions.

Are you a candidate?

We invite you to take the next step to find out more about your weight loss options.