What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
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 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.
The Benefits of 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 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 The Surgery Is 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 the Obesity 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.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2–4
weeks, while weight loss continues gradually over the following months.