Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sharp's Weight-Loss Surgery Program offers the vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure in addition to laparoscopic gastric banding (Lap-Band®) and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, enhancing the options for those looking to have weight-loss surgery.

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure restricts stomach volume and the amount of food intake by removing 85 percent or more of the stomach without causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption or bypassing the intestines. This removed portion of the stomach is responsible for producing ghrelin, the hormone that causes appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in place, the level of ghrelin is decreased, which causes loss of or a reduction in appetite. 


Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages
Sharp HealthCare offers vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery in San Diego.

  • Appealing option for individuals at a higher risk for the more invasive Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery due to health complications
  • Dramatically improves health problems related to weight
  • Often allows most foods to be eaten in small amounts
  • Outlet to the stomach (pylorus) is preserved, minimizing dumping syndrome
  • Possibility of ulcers occurring is significantly reduced
  • Reduces stomach volume

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages

  • Considered investigational by some insurance companies 
  • Part of the procedure is not reversible
  • Weight-loss failure can occur with frequent snacking or lack of exercise

Why Choose Sharp for Bariatric Surgery?

  • Extensive maintenance services, including long-term nutritional and behavioral health support groups and individual diet plans to help patients reach weight-loss goals
  • Low complication rate, well below the national average of 13 to 14 percent
  • Thorough personalized weight-loss goal assessments ensure that bariatric surgery is the best choice for each individual patient

Education and Support
The first step in obtaining weight-loss surgery at Sharp is to attend one of our free monthly educational seminars. These seminars provide information about the surgery, other treatment options, program requirements, lifestyle changes, risks, potential complications and benefits.

The seminars are designed to help you make an educated and informed decision about whether surgery is the right path for you. Sharp recommends that patients attend one of its monthly support groups to talk with and ask questions of other bariatric patients.

For More Information
To sign up for a free informational seminar call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, or register online at Sharp's weight-loss surgery seminar.

Learn more about the vertical sleeve procedure by reading the frequently asked questions about vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

If you do not meet the requirements for weight-loss surgery or you aren't sure if weight-loss surgery is for you, but are still interested in losing weight, visit Weight Management to learn more about Sharp's personalized weight-loss programs.