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Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
Bariatric surgery, commonly known as gastric sleeve surgery, is a series of surgical procedures performed to help individuals with excessive weight manage their weight and resolve health issues associated with weight, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, joint disorders, and heart disease. All patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30.00 or above are considered obese.
Bariatric surgery involves removing approximately 70-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a thin, tube-shaped stomach. This reduces the stomach’s capacity, lowering the patient’s daily calorie requirements and reducing feelings of hunger (ghrelin hormone), thereby facilitating healthy weight loss.
What Is Sleeve Gastrectomy?
Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is one of the most common and effective bariatric surgery procedures performed worldwide. It is primarily designed to help patients with obesity lose weight safely and sustainably when diet, exercise, and medical treatments have not been successful.
The surgery involves removing approximately 70–80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, tube-shaped pouch that resembles a sleeve. This significantly reduces the stomach’s capacity, allowing patients to consume smaller portions while still feeling full. Additionally, the procedure reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which helps control appetite.
Sleeve gastrectomy is not only about weight reduction—it is also a treatment for obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnea, and joint problems. Patients who undergo this surgery often experience improvements in both their physical health and quality of life.
Why Is Sleeve Gastrectomy Performed?
The primary goal of sleeve gastrectomy is long-term weight management. Obesity is a chronic condition that increases the risk of severe health complications and reduces life expectancy. When conservative methods such as diet modifications, exercise programs, and medication fail, bariatric surgery becomes a reliable option.
This procedure is recommended for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40, or those with a BMI between 30 and 40 who also suffer from obesity-related diseases. The surgery helps reduce excess weight and improves or resolves many associated conditions.
By reducing stomach volume and appetite, patients can achieve steady, controlled weight loss that not only improves physical appearance but also decreases the risk of obesity-related illnesses.
How Is Sleeve Gastrectomy Performed?
Sleeve gastrectomy is typically performed using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery, which involves small incisions rather than large surgical cuts. Through these incisions, a tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity.
During the procedure, the surgeon carefully removes the outer portion of the stomach, leaving behind a banana-shaped tube. The smaller stomach significantly limits food intake and slows digestion. The surgery usually takes between one and two hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
Because it is minimally invasive, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy reduces post-operative pain, shortens hospital stays, and lowers the risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. Patients can typically walk on the same day as the surgery and are usually discharged from the hospital within two to three days.
Recovery Process After Sleeve Gastrectomy
The recovery period following sleeve gastrectomy is generally faster than many expect. Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks. However, full recovery and adaptation to the new diet and lifestyle take longer.
During the first weeks after surgery, patients follow a carefully structured diet, beginning with clear liquids, then moving to pureed foods, soft foods, and finally solid foods. This gradual process allows the stomach to heal while ensuring proper nutrition.
Follow-up appointments with surgeons and dietitians are essential. These visits help monitor weight loss progress, nutritional intake, and any potential complications. Many patients experience rapid weight loss during the first six months, followed by gradual, consistent results over the next year.
Things to Consider After Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is not a stand-alone solution; it requires permanent lifestyle changes. Patients must commit to healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and medical follow-ups to maintain long-term success.
Nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals may be necessary to prevent deficiencies, since reduced food intake may limit nutrient absorption. Regular blood tests help doctors monitor overall health and ensure balanced nutrition.
Emotional and psychological support is also important. Obesity surgery involves not only physical transformation but also significant lifestyle and behavior changes. Patients may benefit from counseling, support groups, or psychological therapy to adapt to these changes.
Risks of Sleeve Gastrectomy
As with all surgical procedures, sleeve gastrectomy carries certain risks. However, when performed in accredited hospitals by experienced surgeons, it is considered a safe and effective treatment for obesity.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, leakage from the stomach staple line, and blood clots. Long-term risks may include acid reflux, nutritional deficiencies, or inadequate weight loss if lifestyle changes are not followed.
The overall complication rate is low, especially in centers specializing in bariatric surgery. At MDO Health Tourism, patients are carefully evaluated before surgery and monitored closely afterward to minimize these risks.
Nutrition After Sleeve Gastrectomy
Dietary changes are one of the most critical aspects of recovery after sleeve gastrectomy. In the first weeks, patients consume only liquids, gradually transitioning to pureed foods, soft foods, and finally balanced solid meals.
The focus is on protein-rich foods such as lean meats, eggs, and dairy products to promote healing and prevent muscle loss. Patients must also drink plenty of water, avoid carbonated or sugary drinks, and eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
Adopting these habits ensures controlled weight loss and long-term maintenance of results. Dietitians provide personalized nutrition plans to help patients adapt and stay healthy after surgery.