Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is a significant method in combating obesity. This surgical procedure reduces the size of the stomach, enabling individuals to eat less and consequently accelerating the weight loss process. Additionally, this procedure affects hormonal balances. Hormonal changes contribute to the prevention of health issues related to obesity, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, and high blood pressure. The aim of this method is to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, Gastric Sleeve Surgery not only contributes to weight loss but also enhances overall health.

What you need to know about sleeve gastrectomy
Definition Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgical method in which a large part of the stomach is removed and narrowed into a tube shape.
Indications Morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40), health problems associated with obesity (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea), failure of other weight loss methods.
Procedure Performed laparoscopically; the stomach is longitudinally cut and 75-80% is removed, the remaining part is formed into a thin tube.
Type of Anesthesia General anesthesia.
Duration of the Procedure Approximately 1-2 hours.
Success Rate Loss of 60-70% of excess weight within the first year.
Risks and Complications Infection, bleeding, leakage, nutritional deficiencies, gastroesophageal reflux, clot formation.
Recovery Time Hospital stay is usually 2-3 days; full recovery time is a few weeks.
Advantages Less invasive compared to open surgery, shorter recovery time, preservation of the stomach’s natural functions.
Alternative Treatments Gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, duodenal switch.
Follow-up and Monitoring Regular doctor check-ups post-surgery, dietitian support, need for vitamin and mineral supplements.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery scaled

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is an effective surgical method used in the treatment of obesity. According to Milad Kheirvari, this surgery contributes to the weight loss process by reducing the volume of the stomach. During the operation, the stomach is reshaped into a thin tube, reducing its size by 75-80%. As a result, early satiety is achieved with reduced food intake. The success of the surgery is not limited to physical changes alone:

  • The secretion of hunger hormone from the stomach decreases.
  • Individuals feel less need to eat.
  • The brain perceives hunger less.

As a result, Gastric Sleeve Surgery provides a two-fold approach in combating obesity by creating both mechanical and hormonal changes. It ensures that patients eat less and healthier while contributing to the improvement of their overall health. This method is a crucial step for weight control and a healthy lifestyle.

How Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Performed?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery, an effective solution for individuals with excessive weight issues, is performed under general anesthesia. The surgical procedure aims to reduce the size of the stomach. This surgery can be conducted through different techniques using laparoscopic methods, which involve small incisions:

Special methods are employed during the operation to appropriately reduce the size of the stomach. In this process, a calibration tube, matching the diameter of the esophagus, is inserted. This placement prevents excessive reduction of stomach size and potential blockages. Special precautions are taken to address the risks of vascularization and bleeding. The stomach is cut from end to end using special cutting and stapling devices. At the end of the procedure, the calibration tube placed at the beginning of the surgery is removed. Tests are conducted during and after the surgery to check for any leakage or issues. This surgery significantly contributes to patients reaching a healthy weight and improving their overall health.

In Which Conditions Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Used?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is an effective method, especially in the treatment of morbid obesity. This surgical procedure promotes weight loss in overweight individuals. The reduction in food intake contributes to supporting a healthy weight loss process. The benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery are not limited to weight loss alone:

  • It contributes to the improvement of diseases accompanying morbid obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes.
  • It serves as a preparation stage for bypass surgeries for severely obese patients.

In cases where the target is Type 2 diabetes, Gastric Sleeve Surgery may be less effective compared to gastric bypass surgeries. However, this surgery represents a significant step in the fight against obesity and the improvement of patients’ overall health. Therefore, Gastric Sleeve Surgery offers a comprehensive solution to obesity and its related health problems.

What Are the Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Dr. Uğur Bulut on the left side, and his patient right after successfull surgery in Turkey without complications.On the right side patient's companion
Dr. Uğur Bulut on the left side, and his patient right after successfull surgery in Turkey without complications.On the right side patient’s companion

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is an effective method used in obesity treatment, and the risk rate of the surgery is generally mild to moderate. The majority of patients do not encounter serious problems after the surgery. The complication rate of this procedure is approximately around 2%. Patients who undergo surgery with a closed technique can usually walk on the same day. The average length of stay in the hospital is between 3 and 4 days. Patients can generally return to their daily lives within a few weeks after surgery.

The risks of the surgery include:

  • Rarely, infection or bleeding
  • Complications related to anesthesia at a very low rate
  • Rare leakage in suture lines

Follow-up results are usually excellent. Patients start losing weight shortly after the surgery. The amount of weight lost becomes more apparent within a few months. Long-term follow-up results show that patients lose between 70% to 80% of their excess weight. These data demonstrate the effectiveness of Gastric Sleeve Surgery.

Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Sleeve Surgery stands out as an effective method in the fight against obesity. This surgical procedure limits nutrient and calorie intake by reducing the size of the stomach. Unlike some other surgical interventions, this method does not affect nutrient absorption in the intestines and carries a lower risk of complications. Gastric Sleeve Surgery significantly contributes to weight loss by controlling the feeling of hunger. The ghrelin hormone, which is secreted from a specific part of the stomach, is reduced by removing this part through surgery, leading to decreased appetite.

Effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery:

  • Reduced feeling of hunger
  • Acceleration of weight loss
  • No change in nutrient absorption

After the operation, patients usually experience rapid and permanent weight loss. The majority of excess weight is lost within the first year. During this process, weight loss of up to 40-50 kilograms is possible for severely obese patients. Weight loss provides both physical and mental relief, significantly improving the quality of daily life.

Improvements after weight loss:

  • Reduction or complete resolution of problems such as Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea
  • Improvement in high blood lipids and blood pressure problems
  • Reduction in knee pain and leg varicose veins

In the postoperative period, many health problems related to obesity improve or completely resolve. These improvements occur spontaneously without requiring additional treatment as weight loss begins. Patients observe a rapid improvement in their overall health. For these reasons, Gastric Sleeve Surgery is among the preferred methods in the treatment of obesity. This weight loss, maintained while preserving health integrity, increases the quality of life for patients while reducing the risks of complications related to obesity.

Recovery Process After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is an effective method in the treatment of obesity, and the recovery processes of patients may vary. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery allows patients to be discharged early from the hospital. Patients can typically return home within 1-3 days, with some even being discharged on the same day as the surgery. During the hospital stay, they are closely monitored by healthcare personnel.

The recovery process at home begins after discharge from the hospital. During this process:

  • Feeling tired is normal, as the body expends energy on recovery.
  • Adherence to care instructions and the provided diet plan is crucial.
  • The home environment can influence the recovery process.
  • Climbing stairs and standing for extended periods may be challenging.
  • Accessibility to the bedroom and bathroom is essential.
  • Light activities can support recovery.

The time to return to work varies. While some patients can resume work within a week, others may return earlier. Factors affecting the time to return to work include:

  • The nature of the job, its physical demands, and activity levels.
  • Individual recovery process and possible complications.

The question of when the stomach heals after Gastric Sleeve Surgery also crosses the minds of patients. There is a difference between returning to daily activities and full recovery. Fatigue decreases within the first few weeks, and a return to the normal routine begins. However, the healing of the stomach and incisions may take longer. On average:

  • Incisions heal in 2-3 weeks.
  • The stomach staple line heals in 6-8 weeks.

Most patients can start their normal exercise routines one month after the surgery. This process allows patients to progress towards complete recovery.

How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost in Turkey and Other Countries ?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey All-Inclusive Package
Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey All-Inclusive Package

The cost of gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 euros ( all-inclusive-package option). Price of gastric sleeve is rougly %70 is cheaper in comparision;

Country Average Cost of Gastric Sleeve Surgery (USD)
United States $20000 – $35000
United Kingdom $17500 – $30000
Canada $18750 – $32500
Australia $17500 – $30000
New Zealand $15000 – $25000
Ireland $20000 – $35000
South Africa $20000 – $35000
Turkey $3000 – $4000

Patient Reviews and Experiences

Dr. Uğur Bulut is one the best general surgeon in Turkey. He has 6 reviews on Google and 12 bariatric patient experience on Trustpilot. Average of patient reviews who got surgery in Turkey from Dr. Ugur Bulut is 5/5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surgeons with significant expertise in laparoscopic techniques usually charge more, reflecting their experience and skills. Additionally, selecting a prestigious hospital increases the overhead costs, impacting the total expenses; however, ambulatory surgical centers may provide a less expensive option.

Furthermore, the geographic location plays a crucial role, as urban areas with higher living costs generally report more expensive procedures.

Moreover, the choice of anesthesia, whether general or local, along with the anesthesiologist’s experience, affects the price. Pre-operative tests such as lab work and imaging studies are essential for assessing patient suitability and add to the cost. Post-operative care, including follow-up visits and medications, also contributes to the overall expenses.

Insurance coverage varies widely, with different policies and eligibility requirements impacting out-of-pocket costs. Lastly, the surgical technique, especially when using advanced laparoscopic methods, and any necessary revision surgery can further escalate the total cost.

Gastric sleeve surgery is notably more affordable in Turkey than in the UK primarily due to the lower overall cost of living. This economic disparity means that hospitals in Turkey can manage lower operational costs, which include cheaper rents and medical supplies along with salaries for medical staff that are less than their UK counterparts.

Additionally, Turkey’s medical tourism industry is highly competitive, fostering an environment where multiple hospitals vie for international patients by offering cost-effective surgical options.

Consequently, this competition drives prices down further. Moreover, the higher demand for weight loss surgeries in Turkey boosts the volume of procedures conducted, enabling hospitals to negotiate better deals with suppliers and achieve economies of scale.

Turkish medical facilities often focus on procedural efficiency, which shortens hospital stays and reduces costs without compromising the quality of care. Thus, these factors collectively contribute to the lower prices of gastric sleeve surgeries in Turkey compared to the UK.

Before gastric sleeve surgery, there are several important factors that patients should pay attention to. These include preoperative weight loss and dietary adjustments, limiting smoking and alcohol consumption, undergoing medical tests recommended by the doctor, and understanding postoperative expectations. Additionally, the emotional and psychological preparation of patients before the surgery should not be overlooked.

Although gastric sleeve surgery generally provides effective results, it comes with certain risks. These risks may include infection, bleeding, stomach leakage, gastroesophageal reflux, vitamin deficiencies, and uncontrolled postoperative weight loss. The levels of risk can vary depending on the type of surgery, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s experience.

The duration of gastric sleeve surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery and the surgeon’s experience. Generally, this type of surgery takes between 1 to 2 hours. Gastric sleeve surgeries performed using laparoscopic methods tend to be shorter. However, providing an exact estimate for the duration is challenging as each patient is unique.

Suitable candidates for gastric sleeve surgery are typically individuals experiencing obesity issues and not responding to other weight loss methods. However, doctors assess eligibility by evaluating factors such as the patient’s overall health, age, weight history, and more. Candidates are expected to be motivated to adapt to lifestyle changes after the surgery.

The results of gastric sleeve surgery usually begin to manifest within the first few weeks after the surgery. During this period, patients may experience weight loss and often see improvements in blood sugar levels. However, complete results typically become apparent within a few months. It is crucial for patients to maintain regular communication with their doctors after the surgery and attend scheduled follow-up appointments.

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Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Specialist
Op. Dr. Uğur BULUT
Op. Dr. Uğur Bulut

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