GASTRIC SLEEVE (VSG)

What Is A Gastric Sleeve?

A gastric sleeve procedure, also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), can assist our patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight by reducing the size of their stomach by almost 80%. The remaining stomach portion is formed into a 36 French gastric tube or banana-shaped stomach. The gastric sleeve procedure assists in weight loss by removing the part of the stomach that produces the "hunger hormone" ghrelin which is thought to boost one's appetite, and by reducing the stomach size, making the patient feel full much faster. Dr Balder is proud to be able to offer the best cash pay rate - most cost effective option available around the Gulf Coast region. We also do not charge extra patient fees to join us like most surrounding weight loss surgery programs. For more information about the gastric sleeve (VSG) and how it may benefit your weight loss journey, contact Dr. Donald Balder at Mississippi Institute of Weight Loss & Gulf Coast Aesthetics today.

What Are the Benefits of A Gastric Sleeve Procedure?

A vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) procedure performed at Mississippi Institute of Weight Loss Surgery & Gulf Coast Aesthetics is an effective and reliable method for producing significant weight loss. Dr. Balder and his experienced team can bring you life-changing results by shrinking the stomach and neutralizing hunger hormones. Benefits of gastric sleeve surgery include:

Significant weight loss for those who are considerably overweight
Decreasing the size of the stomach by up to 80%
Curbing hunger
Elimination of type 2 diabetes or putting it into remission
Improving cardiovascular health
Long-lasting results in complient patients
Better movement and joint pain relief
May benefit a variety of medical conditions
Boosting self-esteem and mental health

Who Is A Good Candidate for A Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The best candidates for gastric sleeve surgery at Mississippi Institute of Weight Loss & Gulf Coast Aesthetics usually meet the following qualifications:

A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher plus an additional obesity-related health condition like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver, and osteoarthritis of the knees.
Dr Balder does offer Low BMI gastric sleeve procedures in specific circumstance.
Have tried to lose weight in the past and were not successful.
Are prepared to commit to significant lifestyle and dietary changes.
Do not have health conditions that would make vertical sleeve gastrectomy too risky.
Can devote time to recovery and extensive follow-up care.

What Can I Expect with A Gastric Sleeve?

When you come in for your gastric sleeve surgery, you will be placed under anesthesia. Dr. Balder will make several small incisions in your upper abdomen and insert the surgical instruments and camera. The blood vessels attached to the section of the stomach that will be removed are sealed and cut. Next, a Bougie tube will be used to measure the size of the new stomach. A stapling device will then divide the stomach into two parts. The excess portion will be removed from the abdomen, leaving the new stomach with approximately 20 – 25% of the original stomach volume.

What Can I Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

You will likely stay one night or more in the hospital one day before you're released to go home. Once home, you'll need to remain on a clear liquid diet, followed by a liquid diet. Don't worry, we'll give you some meal suggestions. You can expect to progress from a liquid diet to a puree diet to a soft-food diet. Once it's time to start eating regular food, you'll need to begin slowly. Eat smaller meals, eat slowly, and chew each bite very well. If you don't, you may experience vomiting.

It could take about a month before you've recovered enough to get back to work. We will work with you so you know when the best time to start working again is based on your healing progress and job type. You can expect to have several follow-up visits so we can ensure the procedure went well, you're healing properly, and you're on track to get the results we expect.