Sleeve Gastrectomy
Private MEVA Hospital
Gastric sleeve surgery, medically known as Sleeve Gastrectomy, is one of the most commonly preferred surgical methods for treating obesity. In this procedure, approximately 75–80% of the stomach is permanently removed, significantly reducing its volume. After the surgery, the stomach loses its pouch shape and transforms into a thin, long tube.
With the reduction in stomach size, the amount of food a person can consume decreases, and they feel full faster with smaller portions. During the removal of the stomach portion, ghrelin (the hunger hormone), which stimulates the appetite center in the brain, is highly secreted. As a result, appetite decreases significantly after the surgery.
The pylorus, the stomach’s exit valve, is preserved in gastric sleeve surgery. This ensures that the digestive system continues its natural flow, and the transition of food to the intestines is not disturbed. There is no malabsorption, and weight loss occurs entirely due to eating less and adopting healthy eating habits. The surgery can be performed using either an open or laparoscopic (closed) method, with the latter being more commonly preferred today.
What Should Be Considered Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Certain preparations must be followed before the surgery:
It is recommended to be admitted to the hospital about 24 hours before the surgery.
The patient should switch to a liquid diet one day before the operation and should not consume solid foods.
All food and drink should be avoided starting from 12:00 AM on the night before surgery.
Water intake should also be stopped 8 hours before the surgery.
These preparations are essential for ensuring the surgery is safe and runs smoothly.
What Are the Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery offers many advantages:
Quick satiety with smaller amounts of food
Significant reduction in appetite
Healthy and controlled weight loss
No malabsorption issues
A shorter and technically simpler procedure compared to gastric bypass
A shorter hospital stay
Additionally, if necessary, gastric sleeve surgery can be converted to other obesity surgery methods.
Who Is Suitable for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is not suitable for every overweight individual. Generally, candidates should meet the following criteria:
Be between 18–65 years old
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35–40 or higher
Have associated health issues related to excess weight, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular diseases
Have been unable to achieve permanent weight loss through diet and exercise
Not have alcohol or substance abuse problems
Be psychologically capable of adapting to lifestyle changes
Suitability must be determined through a thorough medical evaluation.
How Much Weight Can Be Lost After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
If the recommended diet program is followed and regular exercise is done, 65–80% of excess weight can be lost within the first 12 months. However, if healthy eating habits are not established, a 5–10% weight regain may occur in the following years.
Post-Surgery Process
You can get up 1–2 hours after surgery.
Showers can be taken from the first day while keeping the dressings intact.
After approximately 1 week of rest, you can return to desk jobs.
For those working in physically demanding jobs, it is recommended to wait for 30 days.
Regular doctor check-ups, dietitian follow-ups, and lifestyle changes play a critical role in the success of the surgery.
