Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume.

The surgery generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. It is a purely restrictive operation, is currently indicated as an alternative to the Lap-Band procedure for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals. Due to the nature of stomach tissue to be “stretchy” there is a higher potential for late regain of weight with this surgical procedure.

About Our East Bay Program

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is part of the Sutter Health East Bay Region and is an affiliate of the Sutter Health network. We offer bariatric surgery for weight loss using a variety of procedures including Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery, Laparoscopic Adjustable Band Surgery (also called Lap Band Surgery), Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, and stomache stapling procedures.

We provide these services to patients in the East Bay area at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, at our Summit Campus in Oakland and our service area includes the cities of Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, Castro Valley, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton and Antioch, as well as cities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Please give us a call at (510) 869-8972 or send an email to ABSMCWeight@Sutterhealth.org if you have any questions or would like to come to one of our upcoming introductory seminars to learn more about any of our weight loss surgery options.