Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The gastric sleeve operation is one of the world’s most popular and widely performed weight loss surgeries. It’s a highly effective long-term solution for morbid obesity and the serious health conditions linked to it.
What is the Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric sleeve operation, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a procedure done with a laparoscope. Removing most of the stomach and leaving behind a narrow, tube-shaped stomach (the “sleeve”). This smaller stomach restricts the amount of food you can eat and also lowers the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone—helping you lose a large amount of weight permanently. A skilled surgeon should keep the functions of the stomach intact, only reducing the volume of the stomach.
Some people call it sleeving surgery, which simply refers to the process of reshaping the stomach into a sleeve-like form.
Advantages and drawbacks of gastric sleeve
Advantages:
The gastric sleeve operation helps patients lose a significant amount of weight within a relatively short period, which can transform overall health. It may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.
- It is conducted for all ages from 10 to 70 years.
- It is a safe solution to obesity with minimal risks if done correctly
- It has a very high success rate with patients losing most of the excess weight within the first two years.
- It does not include implanting foreign objects in the body, which prevents complications of the possible rejection of the body to external objects.
- It does not include intestinal cutting and reconnection or a change in the order of the digestive system.
Drawbacks:
Like any surgery, there are some complications and side effects — although rare — to keep in mind when considering sleeve gastrectomy, including:
- Repeated vomiting: May occur if too much food is eaten after surgery. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following dietary guidance can help prevent this.
- Dehydration: Can happen if you don’t drink enough fluids. Aim for 2–3 liters daily, adding flavors if plain water is hard to drink initially.
- Constipation: Often related to dehydration. Prevent it by staying hydrated and walking 30 minutes daily for the first 45 days after surgery.
- Hair loss: Minimized by following a proper nutrition plan, taking multivitamins, and having regular check-ups.
- Unsatisfactory weight loss: Can result from choosing the wrong surgery type, inadequate follow-up, or insufficient stomach removal by an inexperienced surgeon. Avoid this by working closely with a qualified bariatric team and attending follow-up visits.
- Gallstones and urinary tract stones: Linked to dehydration; drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk.
- Postoperative bleeding: Risk lowered by experienced surgical teams and careful monitoring.
- Stomach leakage: Rare but serious; prevented through meticulous surgery, high-quality tools, good preoperative prep, and strict adherence to postoperative instructions.
Pulmonary embolism: Extremely rare; prevention includes wearing elastic stockings, starting gentle movement two hours after surgery, drinking plenty of fluids, and using blood thinners for 10 days post-surgery.
Who is the candidate for gastric sleeve?
If you’re wondering about gastric sleeve surgery BMI requirements or weight requirements, these are the typical medical guidelines surgeons use to decide eligibility.
Suitable candidates include:
- Individuals with a BMI of 30 who also have obesity-related comorbidities, such as diabetes.
- Individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher.
- Children diagnosed with obesity.
- Patients with obesity-related health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, and delayed childbearing — often due to polycystic ovary syndrome in women and reduced sperm quality in men.
- Patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, obesity accompanied by diabetes, or hypertension.
- Women with obesity who experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Postmenopausal women with obesity, as this option avoids affecting calcium absorption and thus helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Candidates SHOULD NOT have a history of frequent or severe GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or be addicted to consuming sweets.
What to expect after gastric sleeve operation
Most people lose around 60–70% of their excess weight within the first two years. To keep these results, it’s vital to stick to medical advice: follow a balanced diet rich in protein and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly. Regular check-ups will help catch any sleeve gastrectomy complications early.
Gastric sleeve operation recovery time
Most patients stay in the hospital for about 2–3 days, and can usually return to normal daily activities within 2–4 weeks, depending on their job and health status.
How to prepare for sleeving surgery
Before gastric sleeve surgery, patients undergo thorough testing: blood work, heart and lung checks, and a nutritional assessment. Doctors often advise quitting smoking weeks before surgery and stopping certain medications to reduce bleeding risk.
What are the steps to take after a gastric sleeve operation?
Due to the nature of the gastric sleeve operation, it limits how much food you can eat and helps you feel full quickly. During surgery, the part of the stomach that produces most of the hunger hormone (ghrelin) is removed — leading to reduced appetite and better weight control.
Before leaving the hospital
- You will stay for one night after the surgery under medical observation.
- Gentle movement is encouraged just two hours after surgery to support recovery.
- You can start drinking fluids about 12 hours after surgery.
After discharge and at home
Since this is a laparoscopic procedure, recovery is usually fast. Most patients can:
- Leave the hospital the next day.
- Return to work within 2–3 days.
To support your healing, follow these steps:
- Walk for about 30 minutes daily during the first month.
- Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects.
- Do not smoke for at least two weeks.
- Avoid alcohol for at least one month.
Follow-up appointments
- First follow-up: one week after surgery.
- Second follow-up: six weeks after surgery.
- Afterwards, monthly clinic visits are recommended.
You are also encouraged to send your updates and any questions online anytime — our team will respond promptly.
Diet after surgery
For the first 45 days after surgery, you’ll follow a special diet that starts with liquids and gradually moves to soft and then regular foods, focusing on healthy choices. After this period, there are no strict food restrictions — but adopting healthier eating habits is essential to achieve and maintain your weight-loss goals.
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FAQ
- If an experienced doctor didn’t qualify the patient for the surgery.
- If the patient is pregnant.
- If the patient is addicted to alcohol or drugs.
- If the patient has an untreated stomach ulcer.
- The patient suffers from Barrett’s syndrome, long standing severe reflux.
- The patient suffers from ‘achalasia’ narrowing of the oesophagus.
- Diaphragmatic hernias of large size or severe oesophageal reflux.
It is possible that you’ll have some pain right after surgery, but it’s usually well-controlled with medication. Most people report the discomfort improves within a few days.
Weight loss differs from one patient to another depending on several factors, the most important of which is adherence to dietary instructions and exercising; You can expect to lose approximately 70% to 100% of excess weight within the first 1-2 years after the surgery.
Expected weight loss after the process is as follows:
- After the first 45 days 10-25%
- Month 3: 30% loss
- Month 6: loss of about 50-60%
- Month 9-12: Losing up to 100% extra weight
Technically, the anatomical change is permanent, but weight regain can happen if lifestyle changes aren’t maintained.
Besides significant weight loss and health improvements, long-term effects might include nutritional deficiencies that need lifelong monitoring.
While rare, some patients struggle with complications or unexpected emotional changes. It highlights why psychological support and good follow-up with an experienced doctor are important.
While both surgeries aim for weight loss, the gastric bypass redirects part of the intestine, whereas the sleeve only reduces stomach size without intestinal bypass. Each has unique pros and cons that you should discuss with your surgeon.