Sleeve gastrectomy, commonly called gastric sleeve surgery, is an increasingly favored method for substantial weight reduction. This procedure involves a surgical alteration to reduce the stomach’s capacity. Renowned for its simplicity in approach, safety record, and practical outcomes, it has gained significant traction in the medical community. Undergoing this procedure is a major health decision, requiring patients to commit to lasting changes in their lifestyle habits.
Gastric Sleeve Before and After Photos
See the gastric sleeve in before and after photos to notice the profound, life-changing impact this surgery can have.
Gastric Sleeve Cost
The average cost of the Gastric Sleeve procedure is €4,700. This price is valid in Turkey and is quite reasonable compared to €10,000 and €15,000 in Europe and America, respectively. The gastric sleeve cost in Turkey is the lowest you will find internationally, making it an extremely affordable option for your medical and cosmetic needs.
Gastric Sleeve Procedure Details
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most effective surgical methods worldwide. This procedure entails the removal of over 80% of the stomach. The surgery starts at the junction where the stomach meets the esophagus and continues to the duodenum. It reshapes the stomach into a long, thin tube, carefully avoiding any interference with the stomach’s valves. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia using a laparoscopic approach, which means it involves minimal incisions. This approach reduces the risk of complications, minimizes post-operative pain, and accelerates recovery. It’s particularly favored for individuals with high obesity rates, offering a significant reduction in stomach volume. This reduction limits food intake and simultaneously suppresses appetite due to decreased levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin produced in the stomach.
Gastric sleeve surgery is the ideal solution and guaranteed treatment for permanently removing excessive weight, mainly when the right technology is used. In the contemporary battle against obesity, Gastric sleeve surgery is a physiological surgery, meaning it doesn’t alter the standard routing of food through the digestive system. Food still travels from the esophagus to the stomach and the small intestine. This aspect is crucial as it maintains the natural digestive process while significantly reducing the stomach’s capacity.
Post-surgery, patients typically follow a staged diet, beginning with a liquid diet for the first 15 days, transitioning to pureed foods for the next 15 days, and gradually introducing solid foods after one month. Additionally, vitamin supplementation is recommended during the first six months, often the period of rapid weight loss. Particularly successful for patients with morbid obesity, gastric sleeve surgery has a low complication rate. It results in a weight loss of 60% to 70%, unlike gastric bypass, which does not involve rerouting the intestines. The risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies is lower than other bariatric surgical procedures.
Gastric sleeve surgery is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery globally, renowned for its effectiveness and relatively quick recovery, allowing patients to return to their daily routines more swiftly.
Gastric Sleeve Revision
Gastric sleeve revision surgery is performed to correct or improve a previous sleeve gastrectomy procedure. This procedure can be applied for various reasons, such as insufficient weight loss or weight regain, stomach fistulas and reflux issues, stomach expansion, etc. Gastric sleeve revision surgery encompasses various techniques and methods to rectify or modify an existing gastric sleeve surgery. One common approach is gastric sleeve conversion, which involves transforming the sleeve into a different weight-loss surgery, such as a gastric bypass. Another method is gastric sleeve plication, where the current sleeve is folded and stitched to reduce its size and volume.
Moreover, some revisions may involve repairing or adjusting the sleeve to enhance its functionality. In some cases, the surgeon may need to remove or reapply loosened sutures or staples that have led to complications. As a result, the primary objective of gastric sleeve revision surgery is to address any complications or concerns arising from the initial gastric sleeve procedure, thereby optimizing the patient’s chances of successful weight loss.
Gastric Bypass vs Gastric Sleeve: Which Is the Best For You?
In treating obesity, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are two main methods in bariatric surgery. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s take a closer look:
Gastric sleeve removes a large portion of the stomach, allowing the individual to feel complete more quickly with less food. This method does not interfere with nutrient absorption. Gastric bypass, on the other hand, involves creating a bypass in the stomach and small intestine to reduce stomach size and accelerate the passage of food to the intestines. This procedure leads to rapid weight loss. Unlike gastric sleeve, gastric bypass reduces nutrient absorption. The basis of both methods is to make the person feel full more quickly by eating less.
Regarding the differences between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, the weight loss process following gastric sleeve is slower and more consistent. With gastric bypass, weight loss is typically observed more quickly. Although both methods have surgical risks, these risks are lower with gastric sleeve. When comparing the invasiveness of the two, gastric sleeve is considered less invasive. Nevertheless, choosing between the two procedures varies depending on the patient’s medical history, health condition, lifestyle, and weight loss goals.
Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Effective Weight Loss: Patients often lose 60% to 70% of their excess weight within 1 to 5 years after the procedure, aligning with the typical gastric sleeve weight loss expectations.
- Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea can be put into remission or even stopped following the surgery.
- Less Invasive Alternative: Compared to other bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy is considered less invasive, with fewer risks and long-term complications.
- No Foreign Objects Inserted: Unlike gastric band surgery, no foreign objects are inserted into the body during sleeve gastrectomy.
- Nutritional Deficiencies Are Rare: Although patients are prescribed vitamins and nutritional supplements for a few months post-surgery, nutritional deficiencies are generally rare.
Disadvantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Risk of Complications: Although rare, complications such as hemorrhage, fistula, infection, and nutritional deficiencies can occur. These can be serious and may require additional interventions.
- Irreversible Procedure: The surgery is not reversible, and the stomach may gradually dilate over 5 to 7 years, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
- Strict Postoperative Diet: Patients must follow a strict diet post-surgery, starting with liquids and gradually transitioning to solid foods. This requires a significant adjustment in eating habits.
- Possible Need for Additional Surgeries: Some patients may require further surgeries, such as for loose skin, after significant weight loss.
- Long-term Commitment: The success of the surgery depends heavily on the patient’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including diet and regular exercise. Failure to adhere to these can lead to suboptimal weight loss or weight regain.
In summary, gastric sleeve surgery offers significant benefits for weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions. However, it requires a lifelong commitment to dietary changes and healthy lifestyle habits.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Recovery and Results
Many essential factors affect gastric sleeve recovery time and achieving the best results. These can be summarized as follows:
Hospitalization and Immediate Recovery: After gastric sleeve surgery in Istanbul, Turkey, you can be discharged within 1 to 2 nights. It is recommended to start walking as soon as 3-4 hours after the surgery.
Postoperative Diet: Immediately following the operation, it is advised to follow a progressive diet, starting with liquids and then moving to semi-liquid and blended textures. Patients must eat in small quantities, chew food thoroughly, and avoid drinking during meals to promote proper healing of gastric sleeve scars.
Medical Follow-Up: Regular medical follow-up is essential to monitor for potential nutritional deficiencies and maintain weight. This follow-up includes consultations with specialists such as nutritionists and endocrinologists.
Weight Loss: Gastric sleeves after 1 month generally result in 10% weight loss. The loss is typically 60% of the excess weight after one year and 70% after five years. Results vary depending on the patient’s commitment to following dietary and exercise recommendations as well as the healing process of gastric sleeve scars.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery – FAQs
How long does a gastric sleeve last?
Since 80% of the stomach is removed during gastric sleeve surgery, the results are irreversible, and the procedure is permanent for life.
When can you eat solid food after a gastric sleeve?
The timeline for reintroducing solid foods generally around 4-6 weeks after surgery, but it’s essential to consult with your healthcare team for personalized advice.
What happens if you eat solid food after a gastric sleeve?
Eating solid foods too soon after gastric sleeve surgery can lead to a variety of complications and hinder the recovery process. Possible complications include nausea, vomiting, a feeling of bloating, and abdominal pain. Additionally, undesired conditions such as the narrowing of the stomach opening, the onset of weight regain, and a reduced feeling of fullness can also occur.
Why is weight regain common after gastric sleeve surgery?
Weight regain after gastric sleeve surgery can be attributed to factors such as poor diet choices, lack of physical activity, hormonal changes, and psychological causes.
When can I drive after gastric sleeve surgery?
After the procedure, it is generally necessary to wait at least 1-2 weeks before resuming driving after the procedure. This timeline can vary depending on your level of pain and discomfort, as these factors have affected your ability to drive safely.