Gastric Sleeve Surgery: A Complete Patient’s Guide to Benefits, Risks, and Recovery
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on gastric sleeve surgery. If you are exploring effective, long-term solutions for weight loss, you have likely heard about this procedure. It is one of the most common and safest bariatric surgery options performed worldwide. This page is designed to be a clear, simple, and educational resource, answering the common questions many people have. Our goal is to provide you with the facts you need to feel informed and confident.
Making a decision about weight loss surgery is a significant step. As a leading surgical team with decades of experience, we believe patient education is the foundation of success. We are here to provide personalized surgical solutions and support you through every stage of your journey.
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What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery? A Simple Explanation
Gastric sleeve surgery, known medically as a “sleeve gastrectomy,” is a procedure that helps you lose weight by changing the size and shape of your stomach. Unlike other procedures, it does not involve bypassing or re-routing your intestines. It is a powerful tool that works in two distinct ways: restriction and hormonal change.
First, it is a restrictive procedure. During the surgery, which is almost always performed using minimally invasive (“keyhole”) techniques, your surgeon removes approximately 75-80% of your stomach. The remaining portion is stapled and shaped into a narrow tube, or “sleeve,” about the size and shape of a banana. Because your new stomach is much smaller, it physically restricts the amount of food you can eat in one sitting. You will feel full much more quickly, which naturally leads to a lower calorie intake and weight loss.
Second, and just as important, the surgery has a powerful hormonal effect. The large, outer part of the stomach that is removed is the primary area that produces ‘ghrelin,’ often called the “hunger hormone.” By removing this part of the stomach, the surgery significantly reduces ghrelin levels in your body. This means that after surgery, most patients feel a dramatic reduction in their appetite and constant hunger. This hormonal change makes it much easier to adapt to your new, smaller meal sizes without feeling deprived. You can think of gastric sleeve surgery as resetting your body’s “fullness” signal and turning down the volume on your hunger cues.
How is gastric sleeve surgery performed?
Gastric sleeve surgery is typically performed using a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) method. A surgeon makes 3-5 small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a tiny camera and long, thin surgical tools. They then remove about 80% of the stomach and use a surgical stapler to seal the remaining portion into a small “sleeve.”
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Who Is a Good Candidate for This Weight Loss Surgery?
Deciding if gastric sleeve surgery is the right choice for you involves a thorough evaluation with a bariatric specialist. This weight loss surgery is not a “quick fix” and is generally recommended for individuals who have struggled with severe obesity and have not found lasting success with traditional methods like diet and exercise alone. Our expert team conducts a comprehensive review of your health history to ensure this is a safe and effective path for you.
In general, you may be a good candidate for stomach reduction surgery if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
- You have a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and also have at least one serious obesity-related health condition. These often include high blood sugar (Type 2 diabetes), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or severe sleep apnoea.
However, the most important qualification is not just a number on a scale. A successful candidate is someone who is fully informed about the procedure and is ready to commit to permanent lifestyle changes. This surgery is a powerful tool, but your long-term success depends on your commitment to a new way of eating, regular physical activity, and consistent follow-up with your medical team. This journey requires a psychological readiness to change your relationship with food and build new, healthy habits for the rest of your life. Our team, including dietitians and patient coordinators, is here to give you the resources you need to make that change.
What are the main benefits of gastric sleeve surgery?
The primary benefit is significant and sustained weight loss. This bariatric surgery can also lead to the dramatic improvement or even remission of many serious health problems, such as high blood sugar (type 2 diabetes), high blood pressure, joint pain, and sleep apnoea, leading to a better quality of life.
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Why Choose Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Choosing your bariatric surgeon is the single most important decision in your weight loss journey. Many patients search for the “best gastric sleeve surgeon in Turkey,” looking for a combination of experience, safety, and successful outcomes. Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe is a leading and highly respected figure in general and bariatric surgery, bringing an exceptional level of expertise to his patients.
With over 25 years of experience, Prof. Dr. Karatepe has a proven track record of excellence, having performed more than 3,000 successful surgeries. His deep academic involvement, including hundreds of national and international publications, ensures that his surgical techniques are at the forefront of medical innovation. This means you receive care that is not only experienced but also informed by the latest and safest evidence-based practices.
Prof. Dr. Karatepe is an expert in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. These minimally invasive techniques are the gold standard for gastric sleeve surgery. For our patients, this expertise often translates to significant benefits:
- Less post-operative pain
- A shorter hospital stay
- Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
- A faster and easier gastric sleeve recovery
From your very first consultation, our expert team is here to help you. We provide comprehensive, personalized surgical solutions tailored to your unique health profile and goals. We understand this is a life-changing event, and we provide a supportive, compassionate environment from your initial questions to your long-term post-operative care.
How to choose the right gastric sleeve surgeon?
When choosing your surgeon, look for board certification, extensive experience (ideally thousands of bariatric surgery procedures), and a specialization in minimally invasive techniques. A good surgeon will answer all your questions, clearly explain the risks, and have a strong plan for your post-operative follow-up care.
Which doctor performs gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery is performed by a bariatric surgeon. This is a general surgeon who has completed additional, specialized fellowship training in weight loss surgery and advanced laparoscopic procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Q: What is gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss surgery where a surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach. The remaining part is formed into a small “sleeve,” which restricts food intake and reduces hunger hormones, helping you lose weight.
Q: How much weight can I lose with a gastric sleeve?
A: On average, patients lose about 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months after gastric sleeve surgery. Results vary depending on your starting weight and commitment to lifestyle changes.
Q: What is the recovery time for gastric sleeve surgery?
A: The gastric sleeve recovery period is relatively quick. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights. You can typically return to a desk job and light activities within 2-3 weeks. Full recovery and a return to heavy exercise may take 4-6 weeks.
Q: What are the risks of gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Like any major operation, gastric sleeve surgery has potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or blood clots. A specific, though rare, risk is a leak from the surgical staple line. Choosing a highly experienced surgeon like Prof. Dr. Karatepe significantly minimizes these risks.
Q: Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?
A: No, gastric sleeve surgery is not reversible. The procedure involves the permanent removal of a large part of the stomach. This is a key difference from a procedure like the gastric band.
Q: How long does the gastric sleeve operation take?
A: The surgery itself usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. Most of this time is dedicated to carefully creating and securing the new stomach sleeve.
Q: Will I have loose skin after my weight loss?
A: It is common to have loose or sagging skin after any major weight loss. The amount depends on your age, genetics, and how much weight you lose. Some patients choose to have plastic surgery to remove excess skin after their weight has been stable for some time.
Q: What can I eat after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Your diet will change permanently. You will start with a strict liquid diet, then slowly progress to pureed foods, soft foods, and finally, solid foods over several weeks. Long-term, you will eat much smaller portions, focusing on high-protein foods, vegetables, and fruits.
Q: Do I have to take vitamins for life?
A: Yes. Because you will be eating much less food, you will need to take daily vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life to prevent nutritional deficiencies. This is a critical part of your long-term health plan after bariatric surgery.
Q: How is a gastric sleeve different from a gastric bypass?
A: A gastric sleeve only involves the stomach (it’s a restrictive procedure). A gastric bypass is more complex; it creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, which changes how you absorb calories (making it malabsorptive).
Q: Will my stomach stretch out after surgery?
A: The stomach sleeve has some natural elasticity to allow for a small meal, but it will not stretch back to its original size. However, consistently overeating can stretch the sleeve over time, which can slow or stop your weight loss. This is why following your dietary guidelines is essential.
Q: Is gastric sleeve surgery safe for people with high blood sugar?
A: Yes, it is not only safe but also highly effective. Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most powerful treatments for Type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar), often leading to remission or a significant reduction in medication.
Q: How do I prepare for gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Preparation involves a full medical evaluation, nutritional counselling, and psychological screening. You will also be required to follow a special pre-operative diet (usually low-carb, low-fat) for a few weeks before your surgery to shrink your liver and make the operation safer.
Q: What is the cost of gastric sleeve surgery?
A: The cost can vary widely depending on the surgeon’s experience, the hospital, and what is included in the surgical package (like follow-up care). Our team provides a clear, all-inclusive price quote during your consultation.
Q: When can I exercise after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Walking is encouraged immediately, starting the day of your surgery. You can typically resume light exercise like brisk walking within a couple of weeks. More strenuous activities, like weightlifting or intense cardio, should wait about 4-6 weeks, or until you are cleared by your surgeon.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized treatment plans, please contact Prof. Dr. Oguzhan Karatepe directly.
Contact Us Today
Our expert team in gastric sleeve surgery is ready to assist you. If you have more questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us. We are here to help you take the next step toward a healthier future.
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How can I book an appointment?
You can contact us directly via phone, WhatsApp, or by filling out the online contact form on our website. Our dedicated patient coordinators will be happy to schedule your consultation with Prof. Dr. Karatepe.