What is a vertical sleeve gastrectomy?

Read below: It is one type of weight loss surgery that has gained popularity over the last decade. The stomach is shaped like a sack and its primary function is for food 'storage'. This surgery converts the sack into a 'tube' which is not able to store as much. There may also be some hormonal benefit to removing a portion of the stomach. Data suggests that this is a viable option in weightloss surgery

See below: The attached picture is worth 400 characters. The large, floppy, stretchable part of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrowed, cylindrical structure. Best description I heard was from Dr. Nowzaradan who said it goes from the size of a football to the size of a banana. It is a safe and effective operation for weight loss when applied as part of a comprehensive weight loss program.