Gastric Sleeve Surgery

resimsiz olan içerik detay alanı / Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure in which approximately 75–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube-shaped stomach (sleeve).

This significantly limits food intake and reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, helping patients feel full sooner and maintain long-term weight loss.

Who is a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

The procedure may be recommended for patients who:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or higher.

• Have a BMI of 35 kg/m² or higher with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea.

• Have not achieved sufficient weight loss through diet, exercise, or medical treatment.

• Are medically fit to undergo surgery after a comprehensive evaluation.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Benefits include:

• Significant and sustained weight loss.

• Improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes.

• Better blood pressure control.

• Improvement of sleep apnea.

• Reduced joint pain and improved mobility.

• Better quality of life and increased self-confidence.

• Lower risk of obesity-related cardiovascular disease.

Preoperative Evaluation

Before gastric sleeve surgery, every patient undergoes a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure that surgery is safe and appropriate while minimizing potential risks.

The preoperative assessment typically includes:

• Complete medical history and physical examination.

• Laboratory blood tests.

• Evaluation by an Internal Medicine specialist to assess overall health and chronic medical conditions.

• Cardiology assessment to evaluate heart function and determine fitness for anesthesia and surgery.

• Psychological evaluation to assess emotional readiness and the patient's ability to adapt to long-term lifestyle changes after surgery.

• Consultation with an Anesthesiologist to evaluate anesthesia-related risks and develop an individualized anesthesia plan.

• Assessment by a General Surgeon/Bariatric Surgeon to determine the most appropriate surgical approach and discuss the procedure in detail.

• Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Gastroscopy) to detect conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, hiatal hernia, or any other abnormalities that should be treated before surgery.

This multidisciplinary evaluation helps maximize patient safety and optimize surgical outcomes.

How is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed?

The operation is performed under general anesthesia using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery through several small abdominal incisions.

The surgeon removes the majority of the stomach while preserving the normal digestive pathway without bypassing the intestines.

The procedure usually takes 60–120 minutes, depending on the patient's condition.

Possible Risks and Complications

Although gastric sleeve surgery is considered safe, potential complications may include:

• Bleeding.

• Staple-line leakage.

• Infection.

• Blood clots.

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies if nutritional supplements are not taken as recommended.

These risks are minimized through careful patient selection, experienced surgical teams, and close postoperative follow-up.

Recovery After Surgery

Most patients are discharged from the hospital within 1–2 days after surgery.

Patients are advised to:

• Follow a staged postoperative diet.

• Stay well hydrated.

• Walk regularly.

• Take prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements.

• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments.

Expected Results

Most patients lose approximately 60–70% of their excess body weight within the first 12–24 months, provided they follow dietary recommendations, remain physically active, and attend regular follow-up visits.

Why is Early Treatment Important?

Severe obesity increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, joint disorders, and several types of cancer. Early treatment helps reduce these risks and significantly improves overall health and life expectancy.

A Message to Patients

If you have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise and obesity is affecting your health and daily life, gastric sleeve surgery may be an effective treatment option. A comprehensive evaluation by an experienced bariatric surgery team helps determine the most appropriate treatment and supports long-term success.

To learn more about theObesity Center at our hospital and the comprehensive services we provide, clickhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?

No. Since a large portion of the stomach is permanently removed, the procedure is not reversible.

Can I regain weight after surgery?

Yes. Weight regain is possible if healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and long-term follow-up are not maintained.

Does gastric sleeve surgery affect nutrient absorption?

Unlike gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery does not significantly affect nutrient absorption because the intestines are not bypassed. However, vitamin supplementation may still be necessary.