Vertical sleeve gastrectomy

The size of your stomach will vary depending on the surgeon and your individual needs. All surgeons use a tube to guide them when stapling the stomach. The tube size can vary from as small as 1 to 2 ounces to as large as 6 to 8 ounces.

This type of stomach removal has been performed since the mid-1980s and has proved to be a safe procedure. It involves stapling, just like gastric bypass, and has similar risks.

Vitamin deficiencies are rare with vertical sleeve gastrectomy because there is no intestinal bypass. However, the procedure is very restrictive so most surgeons recommend you take a multivitamin, calcium and B12 vitamins after surgery.

Weight loss surgery is a tool. Without lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, weight regain is possible, regardless of the weight loss procedure selected.

Your diet will progress over the first year. It usually starts with two to four weeks of liquid protein drinks and water. Then you will gradually progress to thicker food items and by two months are able to eat seafood, eggs, cheese and other regular foods. Two to four months post-surgery, the generally recommended diet is low calorie (1,000 per day), high protein (60-80 grams per day), low fat (30 grams per day) and low carbohydrates (40 grams per day).

The calorie intake increases over the first year and by 12 months many patients have achieved their goal weight and consume between 900 and 1,500 calories per day. The final calorie intake depends on your level of activity, age and gender (men can usually consume more calories and maintain their weight).