Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) is a bariatric weight-loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach-typically about 75-85%-to create a smaller, tube-shaped stomach roughly the size and shape of a banana. This significantly reduces the stomach's capacity, limiting the amount of food a person can eat at one time and helping to promote weight loss
. The surgery is usually done laparoscopically through several small incisions, making it minimally invasive with a relatively short recovery time. It typically takes about 1 to 3.5 hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital for one to two days after the procedure
. VSG not only restricts food intake but also reduces the production of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger, thereby decreasing appetite
. Patients can expect to lose around 50-60% of their excess body weight within two to five years post-surgery
. The procedure is irreversible and requires lifelong lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, to maintain weight loss. It also tends to improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease
. In summary, VSG is a surgical weight-loss method that reduces stomach size and appetite to help patients lose significant weight and improve related health issues
